skynewspolitics--2020-09-25--10pm pub curfew comes into force in England and Wales - this is how the first night went

The first night of a 10pm curfew on pubs and restaurants has passed largely without incident in England and Wales - but some venues are warning that the absence of late-night drinkers could put their future into jeopardy .
In London , there was a small police presence on the streets of Soho last night , but no problems were reported .
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick joined a patrol in Shoreditch , a fashionable area in the capital 's east , to remind the public of the measures they need to follow to stop coronavirus from spreading .
Live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world Scotland Yard is planning to step up its enforcement of COVID regulations in the coming days and weeks as infection rates in London continue to rise .
The big test for premises and the police will likely come on Fridays and Saturdays , where greater numbers of people head to pubs and bars .
The Met said enforcement - which could include on-the-spot fines - will only take place as a last resort , but warned officers `` will not hesitate to use their powers to deal with flagrant breaches of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Twist said : `` The vast majority of Londoners have stuck to the rules and responded positively to the unprecedented situation we are in .
We thank them for that .
`` Throughout the last few months we have continued to step in where necessary to protect the public , even as the rules relaxed , with officers working hard to tackle challenging incidents such as unlicensed music events throughout the summer - sometimes facing extreme hostility and even violence .
`` However , it is clear that there is a renewed need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to minimise the risk of transmission of what is a potentially deadly disease - that means everyone following the rules . ''
Wolverhampton Police posted a video on Twitter thanking the public for complying with the new regulations , and said all venues had shut at 10pm .
However , the measures in Wales are slightly different , as pub-goers get an extra 20 minutes to finish their drinks following last orders at 10pm .
The curfew comes as the UK reported 6,634 new coronavirus cases in the 24 hours to 9am on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recorded .
A further 40 people are reported to have died within 28 days of testing positive for COVID-19 , official figures show .
The last time the daily death toll was higher than 40 was on 14 July , when 44 deaths were recorded .
Sky News correspondents in London and Birmingham were in the city centre as 10pm approached to see how the curfew was handled .
If anyone was anticipating anger on the first night of the nationwide curfew , they 'd be pleasantly surprised .
Overall , people were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ streets when the clock hit 10pm , they dispersed into the night .
In Soho - the party district that promises a feast of fun and festivity - the fluorescent vests and jackets of enforcement officials stood out among the revellers lapping up the last few hours of social freedom at their favourite dining hotspots .
But barely seconds after they 'd taken their final sip of their drink , just minutes before 10pm , venues were wiping down tables , stacking chairs and ushering people out the doors .
Bars and restaurants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difficult summer were eager to abide by every letter of the new restrictions and do everything in their power to sidestep a hefty fine .
Licencing inspectors , community wardens and even the commissioner of the Metropolitan Police were out enforcing the new curfew .
Some Met officers marched door to door in the early evening reminding premises of the new kick-out time .
But they hardly needed checking up on , the venues were broadly prepared for the early shutdown despite the few days ' notice .
Yet many feel frustration knowing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lost during this six-month ban on late night frivolity .
BIRMINGHAM : `` By 10pm , it felt more like 4am '' By Becky Johnson , Midlands correspondent The pubs and bars on Hurst Street had called last orders at 9.30pm .
By the official closing time , everyone had trickled away .
On a street that usually has some of busiest bars in the city , it felt more like 4am .
`` This is when people are usually just arriving , '' one bar owner said .
`` The students do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11pm .
People must have just decided it 's not worth coming out at all . ''
: : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker It was n't any busier in other parts of the city centre .
`` We usually do 40 % of our trade after 10pm , '' the marketing manager of Aluna , a cocktail bar in the Mailbox said .
`` That 's all gone . ''
A group of students were scathing about the new rule and whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ People will just risk the rules .
The night wo n't end here .
They 'll be having parties , '' they said .
A `` normal '' Thursday night is a vague memory here , pre-pandemic , when people crowded into pubs and clubs .
`` We did okay '' tonight , one bar owner said .
`` But by okay , I mean we did 25 % of the business we did on a normal Thursday . ''
Many are openly questioning whether their business will survive six months of this @

The first night of a 10pm curfew on pubs and restaurants has passed largely without incident in England and Wales - but some venues are warning that the absence of late-night drinkers could put their future into jeopardy.
In London, there was a small police presence on the streets of Soho last night, but no problems were reported.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick joined a patrol in Shoreditch, a fashionable area in the capital's east, to remind the public of the measures they need to follow to stop coronavirus from spreading.
Live updates on coronavirus from UK and around world
Image: There was a small police presence on the streets of Soho last night
Scotland Yard is planning to step up its enforcement of COVID regulations in the coming days and weeks as infection rates in London continue to rise.
The big test for premises and the police will likely come on Fridays and Saturdays, where greater numbers of people head to pubs and bars.
The Met said enforcement - which could include on-the-spot fines - will only take place as a last resort, but warned officers "will not hesitate to use their powers to deal with flagrant breaches of the regulations".
Image: Workers also closed up early at Cardiff's Central Bar
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said: "The vast majority of Londoners have stuck to the rules and responded positively to the unprecedented situation we are in. We thank them for that.
"Throughout the last few months we have continued to step in where necessary to protect the public, even as the rules relaxed, with officers working hard to tackle challenging incidents such as unlicensed music events throughout the summer - sometimes facing extreme hostility and even violence.
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Image: The new restrictions could be in force for the next six months
"However, it is clear that there is a renewed need for everyone to do everything they can to minimise the risk of transmission of what is a potentially deadly disease - that means everyone following the rules."
Wolverhampton Police posted a video on Twitter thanking the public for complying with the new regulations, and said all venues had shut at 10pm.
However, the measures in Wales are slightly different, as pub-goers get an extra 20 minutes to finish their drinks following last orders at 10pm.
Image: Cardiff city centre quickly emptied after pubs and restaurants closed at 10pm
The curfew comes as the UK reported 6,634 new coronavirus cases in the 24 hours to 9am on Thursday - the highest daily total ever recorded.
A further 40 people are reported to have died within 28 days of testing positive for COVID-19, official figures show. The last time the daily death toll was higher than 40 was on 14 July, when 44 deaths were recorded.
Sky News correspondents in London and Birmingham were in the city centre as 10pm approached to see how the curfew was handled.
Image: Police look on as an entertainer walks past in Soho
LONDON: "Overall, people were compliant"
By Ashna Hurynag, news correspondent
If anyone was anticipating anger on the first night of the nationwide curfew, they'd be pleasantly surprised. Overall, people were compliant - and after initially flooding the streets when the clock hit 10pm, they dispersed into the night.
In Soho - the party district that promises a feast of fun and festivity - the fluorescent vests and jackets of enforcement officials stood out among the revellers lapping up the last few hours of social freedom at their favourite dining hotspots.
But barely seconds after they'd taken their final sip of their drink, just minutes before 10pm, venues were wiping down tables, stacking chairs and ushering people out the doors.
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Bars and restaurants who have clawed their way through a difficult summer were eager to abide by every letter of the new restrictions and do everything in their power to sidestep a hefty fine.
Licencing inspectors, community wardens and even the commissioner of the Metropolitan Police were out enforcing the new curfew.
Some Met officers marched door to door in the early evening reminding premises of the new kick-out time.
But they hardly needed checking up on, the venues were broadly prepared for the early shutdown despite the few days' notice.
Yet many feel frustration knowing how many millions of pounds will be lost during this six-month ban on late night frivolity.
Image: Many are openly questioning whether their business will survive six months of this
BIRMINGHAM: "By 10pm, it felt more like 4am"
By Becky Johnson, Midlands correspondent
By 10pm. Birmingham city centre was eerily quiet.
The pubs and bars on Hurst Street had called last orders at 9.30pm. By the official closing time, everyone had trickled away.
On a street that usually has some of busiest bars in the city, it felt more like 4am.
"This is when people are usually just arriving," one bar owner said. "The students don't usually come out until 10pm or 11pm. People must have just decided it's not worth coming out at all."
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It wasn't any busier in other parts of the city centre.
"We usually do 40% of our trade after 10pm," the marketing manager of Aluna, a cocktail bar in the Mailbox said. "That's all gone."
A group of students were scathing about the new rule and whether it will reduce coronavirus transmission.
"People will just risk the rules. The night won't end here. They'll be having parties," they said.
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
A "normal" Thursday night is a vague memory here, pre-pandemic, when people crowded into pubs and clubs.
"We did okay" tonight, one bar owner said. "But by okay, I mean we did 25% of the business we did on a normal Thursday."
Many are openly questioning whether their business will survive six months of this.


skynewspolitics--2020-09-25--Borrowing records smashed as Sunak prepares to splash more cash

The Treasury borrowed the third-highest sum for any month on record in August , according to official figures - as the chancellor prepares to unleash his latest support for the coronavirus-hit economy .
The Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) reported that public sector net borrowing , excluding the effects of bank bailouts , was estimated to have hit £35.9bn last month - the highest sum ever recorded for an August .
That was £30.5bn more than in the same month last year and explained by the government 's efforts to fund its COVID-19 medicine for jobs and efforts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on coronavirus from UK and around world The ONS said it took borrowing in the first five months of the financial year to £173.7bn - another record for the period since records began in 1993 .
It meant that the UK 's national debt , which topped £2trn in July , now stood at a new peak of £2.024trn - up £249.5bn on August 2019 .
The sobering figures were released just a day after Rishi Sunak revealed a new package of measures to support jobs and businesses through the winter months as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infection rates .
: : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The headline was the Jobs Support Scheme ( JSS ) that will replace the current furlough support when it fully expires at the end of next month .
It will help those in `` viable '' jobs who are back at work , but only provide a top-up in wage support to cover reduced hours .
Separate ONS figures released on Thursday estimated that 12 % of the workforce were on partial leave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month .
The terms of the JSS prompted warnings in some quarters that those still on furlough were being abandoned amid earlier Bank of England projections of three million unemployed by Christmas .
There was growing evidence of disquiet in the government 's own ranks .
Tory MP John Redwood took to Twitter to register his own protest .
He wrote : `` The Chancellor needs to improve his scheme to save jobs .
Businesses that are closed by law to stop the virus need compensation .
Many of their jobs will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Mr Sunak has repeatedly warned that not every business or job can be saved as he moves to provide more incentives to keep people in work and the economic recovery on track despite the deepened virus restrictions .
He has argued it would be `` fundamentally wrong '' for people to be kept in jobs that can only exist due to state funding but has declined to say which sectors are likely to be lost .

The Treasury borrowed the third-highest sum for any month on record in August, according to official figures - as the chancellor prepares to unleash his latest support for the coronavirus-hit economy.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that public sector net borrowing, excluding the effects of bank bailouts, was estimated to have hit £35.9bn last month - the highest sum ever recorded for an August.
That was £30.5bn more than in the same month last year and explained by the government's efforts to fund its COVID-19 medicine for jobs and efforts to tackle the disease.
Live updates on coronavirus from UK and around world
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:17 Coronavirus: Job Support Scheme released
The ONS said it took borrowing in the first five months of the financial year to £173.7bn - another record for the period since records began in 1993.
It meant that the UK's national debt, which topped £2trn in July, now stood at a new peak of £2.024trn - up £249.5bn on August 2019.
The sobering figures were released just a day after Rishi Sunak revealed a new package of measures to support jobs and businesses through the winter months as virus restrictions are tightened UK-wide to control infection rates.
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The headline was the Jobs Support Scheme (JSS) that will replace the current furlough support when it fully expires at the end of next month.
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It will help those in "viable" jobs who are back at work, but only provide a top-up in wage support to cover reduced hours.
Separate ONS figures released on Thursday estimated that 12% of the workforce were on partial leave or remained on full furlough earlier this month.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:33 Jobs scheme quite small compared to other COVID-19 measures
The terms of the JSS prompted warnings in some quarters that those still on furlough were being abandoned amid earlier Bank of England projections of three million unemployed by Christmas.
There was growing evidence of disquiet in the government's own ranks.
Tory MP John Redwood took to Twitter to register his own protest.
He wrote: "The Chancellor needs to improve his scheme to save jobs. Businesses that are closed by law to stop the virus need compensation. Many of their jobs will be needed when the law is relaxed."
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Mr Sunak has repeatedly warned that not every business or job can be saved as he moves to provide more incentives to keep people in work and the economic recovery on track despite the deepened virus restrictions.
He has argued it would be "fundamentally wrong" for people to be kept in jobs that can only exist due to state funding but has declined to say which sectors are likely to be lost.


skynewspolitics--2020-09-25--Who will be the new TV face of Boris Johnson's government?

The search to find the prime minister 's new spokesperson is reaching its final stages , with interviews for the £100,000-a-year role due to conclude in the coming days .
Allegra Stratton , the mastermind behind Rishi Sunak 's press operation , remains the favourite , with other contenders including Angus Walker , the media adviser who helped education secretary Gavin Williamson through the summer exam results crisis .
Both Ms Stratton and Mr Walker joined the government from ITV News , and share experience of live television presentation and working in the Westminster 'lobby ' system of political journalists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lee Cain is also said to have been courting BBC political correspondent Ellie Price , best known for her work on the corporation 's Daily Politics show - now Politics Live .
: : Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker LBC presenter Lisa Aziz - a veteran of television and radio broadcasting - is seen as an outside bet .
BBC London 's Riz Lateef has previously been touted for the job , but is said to have politely declined approaches from Downing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TV briefings was inspired by the success of the government 's COVID-19 news conferences , which boasted between two million and five million viewers a night .
The White House-style broadcasts will take place at 9 Downing Street where a former colonial courtroom is being transformed into a state-of-the-art broadcast hub .
The candidate to beat is Allegra Stratton , appointed just five months ago by Mr Sunak as his director of strategic communications .
She is already credited with sharpening up the chancellor 's social media presence , launching the 'Eat Out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and securing Thursday 's photocall coup : Sunak launched his winter economy plan outside Number 11 alongside the bosses of the CBI ( Confederation of British Industry ) and TUC ( Trade Union Congress ) .
A former Guardian political correspondent and Newsnight political editor , Ms Stratton spent five years at ITV News as national editor and co-presented Peston on Sunday with Robert Peston .
A veteran of ITV News , Walker served as political correspondent , China correspondent and UK editor , a role focusing on home affairs .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year as a special adviser to Gavin Williamson and spent much of the summer dealing with the intense media fallout from the A-Level results crisis .
Marathon runner and BBC political reporter Ellie Price has been with the corporation for over a decade .
She started her career at the Press Association news agency before appearing on regional TV news , and later becoming a familiar face as the roving reporter on BBC Two 's Daily Politics programme alongside Andrew Neil .
An award-winning television and radio broadcaster , Lisa Aziz has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ITV .
She read the news on Classic FM and Nick Ferrari 's LBC breakfast show , and now presents on LBC 's sister station LBC News .

The search to find the prime minister's new spokesperson is reaching its final stages, with interviews for the £100,000-a-year role due to conclude in the coming days.
Allegra Stratton, the mastermind behind Rishi Sunak's press operation, remains the favourite, with other contenders including Angus Walker, the media adviser who helped education secretary Gavin Williamson through the summer exam results crisis.
Both Ms Stratton and Mr Walker joined the government from ITV News, and share experience of live television presentation and working in the Westminster 'lobby' system of political journalists.
Number 10's director of communications Lee Cain is also said to have been courting BBC political correspondent Ellie Price, best known for her work on the corporation's Daily Politics show - now Politics Live.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
LBC presenter Lisa Aziz - a veteran of television and radio broadcasting - is seen as an outside bet.
BBC London's Riz Lateef has previously been touted for the job, but is said to have politely declined approaches from Downing Street.
The new system of daily TV briefings was inspired by the success of the government's COVID-19 news conferences, which boasted between two million and five million viewers a night.
The White House-style broadcasts will take place at 9 Downing Street where a former colonial courtroom is being transformed into a state-of-the-art broadcast hub.
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Allegra Stratton
Image: Allegra Stratton is a former ITV news editor and is currently working at the Treasury
The candidate to beat is Allegra Stratton, appointed just five months ago by Mr Sunak as his director of strategic communications.
She is already credited with sharpening up the chancellor's social media presence, launching the 'Eat Out To Help Out' meal discount scheme, and securing Thursday's photocall coup: Sunak launched his winter economy plan outside Number 11 alongside the bosses of the CBI (Confederation of British Industry) and TUC (Trade Union Congress).
A former Guardian political correspondent and Newsnight political editor, Ms Stratton spent five years at ITV News as national editor and co-presented Peston on Sunday with Robert Peston.
Angus Walker
Image: Angus Walker, of ITV
A veteran of ITV News, Walker served as political correspondent, China correspondent and UK editor, a role focusing on home affairs.
He moved into government at the start of this year as a special adviser to Gavin Williamson and spent much of the summer dealing with the intense media fallout from the A-Level results crisis.
Ellie Price
Image: BBC reporter Ellie Price. Pic: BBC
Marathon runner and BBC political reporter Ellie Price has been with the corporation for over a decade.
She started her career at the Press Association news agency before appearing on regional TV news, and later becoming a familiar face as the roving reporter on BBC Two's Daily Politics programme alongside Andrew Neil.
Lisa Aziz
Image: Lisa Aziz, of LBC
An award-winning television and radio broadcaster, Lisa Aziz has presented on TVam, Sky News and ITV.
She read the news on Classic FM and Nick Ferrari's LBC breakfast show, and now presents on LBC's sister station LBC News.


skynewspolitics--2020-09-25--World leaders must overcome differences to fight COVID-19, urges PM

Boris Johnson will warn the coronavirus pandemic has divided the international community , as he pledges hundreds of millions of pounds to the World Health Organisation to fight future viruses .
In a speech at the UN General Assembly the prime minister will warn that countries must work together and overcome the divisions created by the global health crisis or risk it spiralling out of control .
Mr Johnson will also make a large financial commitment to the WHO , making the UK the largest country-donor to the organisation just months after Donald Trump froze US funding .
He will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fighting COVID , the very notion of the international community looks tattered .
`` We know that we can not continue in this way .
Unless we unite and turn our fire against our common foe , we know that everyone will lose .
`` Now is the time therefore - here at what I devoutly hope will be the first and last ever Zoom UNGA - for humanity to reach across borders and repair these ugly rifts . ''
The prime minister will also unveil an ambitious plan , timed to coincide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next year , designed to prevent future global health crisis .
In his pre-recorded speech , Mr Johnson will add : `` Here in the UK , the birthplace of Edward Jenner who pioneered the world 's first vaccine , we are determined to do everything in our power to work with our friends across the UN to heal those divisions and to heal the world . ''
The five point plan , developed with the Wellcome Trust and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation , aims to identify dangerous pathogens which could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before they lead to COVID-like pandemics .
He will also commit to an extra £71m for 27 million vaccine doses for the UK to combat COVID-19 and spend £500m to help poorer nations tackle the virus .
Announcing the UK will increase funding to the WHO by 30 per cent Mr Johnson will call for countries to work together , not pull apart .
The £340m investment will be spent over the next four years and comes after President Trump criticised the WHO for failing to tackle the virus in the early stages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensure the organisation can be flexible and respond quickly to any future pandemic .
Mr Johnson will also set out further initiatives the UK plans to champion when it takes charge of the G7 next year , including a global pandemic early warning system , better manufacturing capability for treatments , global protocols for future health emergencies and a plan to reduce trade barriers to help nations respond more quickly in future .
In the early stages of the pandemic some nations increased tariffs on key goods such as soap , making it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Boris Johnson will warn the coronavirus pandemic has divided the international community, as he pledges hundreds of millions of pounds to the World Health Organisation to fight future viruses.
In a speech at the UN General Assembly later, the prime minister will warn that countries must work together and overcome the divisions created by the global health crisis or risk it spiralling out of control.
Mr Johnson will also make a large financial commitment to the WHO, making the UK the largest country-donor to the organisation just months after Donald Trump froze US funding.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 7:02 Bereaved share COVID stories as disease reaches one million dead
He will say: "After nine months of fighting COVID, the very notion of the international community looks tattered.
"We know that we cannot continue in this way. Unless we unite and turn our fire against our common foe, we know that everyone will lose.
"Now is the time therefore - here at what I devoutly hope will be the first and last ever Zoom UNGA - for humanity to reach across borders and repair these ugly rifts."
The prime minister will also unveil an ambitious plan, timed to coincide with the UK presidency of the G7 next year, designed to prevent future global health crisis.
In his pre-recorded speech, Mr Johnson will add: "Here in the UK, the birthplace of Edward Jenner who pioneered the world's first vaccine, we are determined to do everything in our power to work with our friends across the UN to heal those divisions and to heal the world."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:10 Boris Johnson and Sir Keir Starmer argue about coronavirus testing
The five point plan, developed with the Wellcome Trust and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, aims to identify dangerous pathogens which could make the leap between animals and humans before they lead to COVID-like pandemics.
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He will also commit to an extra £71m for 27 million vaccine doses for the UK to combat COVID-19 and spend £500m to help poorer nations tackle the virus.
Announcing the UK will increase funding to the WHO by 30 per cent Mr Johnson will call for countries to work together, not pull apart.
The £340m investment will be spent over the next four years and comes after President Trump criticised the WHO for failing to tackle the virus in the early stages. The UK funding will aim to ensure the organisation can be flexible and respond quickly to any future pandemic.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 7:58 22 September: Boris Johnson's address to the nation
Mr Johnson will also set out further initiatives the UK plans to champion when it takes charge of the G7 next year, including a global pandemic early warning system, better manufacturing capability for treatments, global protocols for future health emergencies and a plan to reduce trade barriers to help nations respond more quickly in future.
In the early stages of the pandemic some nations increased tariffs on key goods such as soap, making it difficult for poorer nations to respond well.


skynewspolitics--2020-09-26--MPs to vote on 'rule of six' before government imposes more COVID restrictions

The government has said MPs will get to vote on the `` rule of six '' as it attempts to see off a rebellion by Conservatives who want more scrutiny of coronavirus regulations .
Senior Tory Sir Graham Brady told Sky News he would be `` pressing on '' with his attempt to change the law as `` we need debates and votes in advance where practicable '' .
Another backbench rebel said the offer by the government was `` not the point and not a concession '' as under existing procedures they would be given a retrospective vote anyway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a change to the law to allow votes before new coronavirus rules come in , with dozens of Tories prepared to vote against the government .
Labour is said to be `` sympathetic '' to the amendment , making it highly likely that the prime minister could lose his first vote in the Commons since the December election .
Writing in today 's Telegraph , Sir Graham accused ministers of governing by decree and said increased scrutiny from MPs would improve decision-making .
A senior government source said : `` We understand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the virus and that is why we are seeking to involve them in the process as much as possible . ''
It comes amid concern from some Tory MPs at new national COVID-19 restrictions introduced by Boris Johnson earlier this week .
Chair of the Commons Defence Committee Tobias Ellwood called on the government to `` revisit '' its 10pm curfew on bars and restaurants .
: : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker His comments came after footage was published online showing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Infectious disease modelling expert Graham Medley , who attends the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( SAGE ) , told the BBC he had `` never heard '' the curfew mentioned during meetings .

The government has said MPs will get to vote on the "rule of six" as it attempts to see off a rebellion by Conservatives who want more scrutiny of coronavirus regulations.
Senior Tory Sir Graham Brady told Sky News he would be "pressing on" with his attempt to change the law as "we need debates and votes in advance where practicable".
Another backbench rebel said the offer by the government was "not the point and not a concession" as under existing procedures they would be given a retrospective vote anyway.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:27 Oldham locals adjust to new pub last orders
There is now considerable cross-party support for a change to the law to allow votes before new coronavirus rules come in, with dozens of Tories prepared to vote against the government.
Labour is said to be "sympathetic" to the amendment, making it highly likely that the prime minister could lose his first vote in the Commons since the December election.
Writing in today's Telegraph, Sir Graham accused ministers of governing by decree and said increased scrutiny from MPs would improve decision-making.
A senior government source said: "We understand MPs and their constituents are deeply concerned about the virus and that is why we are seeking to involve them in the process as much as possible."
It comes amid concern from some Tory MPs at new national COVID-19 restrictions introduced by Boris Johnson earlier this week.
Chair of the Commons Defence Committee Tobias Ellwood called on the government to "revisit" its 10pm curfew on bars and restaurants.
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His comments came after footage was published online showing crowds in central London late last night.
Infectious disease modelling expert Graham Medley, who attends the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), told the BBC he had "never heard" the curfew mentioned during meetings.


skynewspolitics--2020-09-25--World leaders must overcome differences to fight COVID-19, urges Johnson

Boris Johnson will warn the coronavirus pandemic has divided the international community , as he pledges hundreds of millions of pounds to the World Health Organisation to fight future viruses .
In a speech at the UN General Assembly later , the prime minister will warn that countries must work together and overcome the divisions created by the global health crisis or risk it spiralling out of control .
Mr Johnson will also make a large financial commitment to the WHO , making the UK the largest country-donor to the organisation just months after Donald Trump froze US funding .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ months of fighting COVID , the very notion of the international community looks tattered .
`` We know that we can not continue in this way .
Unless we unite and turn our fire against our common foe , we know that everyone will lose .
`` Now is the time therefore - here at what I devoutly hope will be the first and last ever Zoom UNGA - for humanity to reach across borders and repair these ugly rifts . ''
The prime minister will also unveil an ambitious plan , timed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the G7 next year , designed to prevent future global health crisis .
In his pre-recorded speech , Mr Johnson will add : `` Here in the UK , the birthplace of Edward Jenner who pioneered the world 's first vaccine , we are determined to do everything in our power to work with our friends across the UN to heal those divisions and to heal the world . ''
The five point plan , developed with the Wellcome Trust and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation , aims to identify dangerous pathogens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and humans before they lead to COVID-like pandemics .
He will also commit to an extra £71m for 27 million vaccine doses for the UK to combat COVID-19 and spend £500m to help poorer nations tackle the virus .
Announcing the UK will increase funding to the WHO by 30 per cent Mr Johnson will call for countries to work together , not pull apart .
The £340m investment will be spent over the next four years and comes after President Trump criticised the WHO for failing to tackle the virus in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aim to ensure the organisation can be flexible and respond quickly to any future pandemic .
Mr Johnson will also set out further initiatives the UK plans to champion when it takes charge of the G7 next year , including a global pandemic early warning system , better manufacturing capability for treatments , global protocols for future health emergencies and a plan to reduce trade barriers to help nations respond more quickly in future .
In the early stages of the pandemic some nations increased tariffs on key goods such as soap , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respond well .


skynewspolitics--2020-09-26--Labour take poll lead over Tories for first time since Boris Johnson became PM

Labour have moved ahead of the Conservative Party for the first time since Boris Johnson became prime minister , an opinion poll has indicated .
The survey by Opinium for The Observer newspaper gave Labour a three-point-lead over the Tories , with 42 % , compared to 39 % .
It suggested Labour was ahead for the first time since July 2019 - when Theresa May 's time in office was nearing an end - and that there is more support for Opposition Leader Sir Keir Starmer than Mr Johnson .
The poll also found 55 % of voters think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country and 40 % believe Labour is equipped to form the next government .
It is the latest poll to suggest waning public confidence at Mr Johnson 's - and the wider government 's - handling of the COVID-19 pandemic .
Earlier in the year , 65 % of voters surveyed backed the government 's handling of the coronavirus crisis , but in June , a YouGov poll for Sky News found the majority of Britons ( 51 % ) believed the government was handling it poorly .
And the latest poll showed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ management of the pandemic had dropped to 30 % .
Sir Keir 's poll ratings rose significantly in the first 100 days since becoming Labour leader .
A YouGov survey in June found he was most likely to be compared to Tony Blair by voters and is already seen as a clean break from Jeremy Corbyn , who led Labour to its worst election defeat in decades in December .
Sir Keir 's time at the helm has been dominated by COVID-19 , over which he has pinned Mr Johnson down on detail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK government was `` slow into lockdown , slow on testing , slow on tracing '' .
He has also implemented swift and decisive reforms to his party 's image - replacing the powerful general secretary with a more centrist figure , cracking down on antisemitism and firing Corbyn loyalist Rebecca Long-Bailey from the shadow cabinet .
When he took over his party 's leadership from Corbyn in April , Sir Keir told Sky News he would be different by `` demonstrating what an effective opposition looks like '' .
He vowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do whatever we can to defeat the coronavirus crisis '' by `` pulling together '' and `` being constructive '' .
The promise not to attempt to score political points over the pandemic was popular among voters , polls suggested .
But he has recently become increasingly critical of the government 's decision-making .
: : Subscribe to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' I 'm quite prepared to accept that a government will make mistakes in a pandemic like this and one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a government listening and then changing , '' Sir Keir recently told Sky News presenter Kay Burley .
`` But when you 've got 12 in a row , the only conclusion is serial incompetence… Our country is better than that , we deserve better than that . ''

Labour have moved ahead of the Conservative Party for the first time since Boris Johnson became prime minister, an opinion poll has indicated.
The survey by Opinium for The Observer newspaper gave Labour a three-point-lead over the Tories, with 42%, compared to 39%.
It suggested Labour was ahead for the first time since July 2019 - when Theresa May's time in office was nearing an end - and that there is more support for Opposition Leader Sir Keir Starmer than Mr Johnson.
Image: Sir Keir Starmer has been climbing in the polls
The poll also found 55% of voters think Sir Keir is ready to lead the country and 40% believe Labour is equipped to form the next government.
It is the latest poll to suggest waning public confidence at Mr Johnson's - and the wider government's - handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Earlier in the year, 65% of voters surveyed backed the government's handling of the coronavirus crisis, but in June, a YouGov poll for Sky News found the majority of Britons (51%) believed the government was handling it poorly.
And the latest poll showed that approval for the Johnson administration's management of the pandemic had dropped to 30%.
Sir Keir's poll ratings rose significantly in the first 100 days since becoming Labour leader.
A YouGov survey in June found he was most likely to be compared to Tony Blair by voters and is already seen as a clean break from Jeremy Corbyn, who led Labour to its worst election defeat in decades in December.
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Image: Jeremy Corbyn led Labour to its heaviest defeat in decades
Sir Keir's time at the helm has been dominated by COVID-19, over which he has pinned Mr Johnson down on detail at Prime Minister's Questions and argued the UK government was "slow into lockdown, slow on testing, slow on tracing".
He has also implemented swift and decisive reforms to his party's image - replacing the powerful general secretary with a more centrist figure, cracking down on antisemitism and firing Corbyn loyalist Rebecca Long-Bailey from the shadow cabinet.
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When he took over his party's leadership from Mr Corbyn in April, Sir Keir told Sky News he would be different by "demonstrating what an effective opposition looks like".
He vowed to work with Mr Johnson to "do whatever we can to defeat the coronavirus crisis" by "pulling together" and "being constructive".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 6:55 Sir Keir Starmer is questioned on the government’s performance
The promise not to attempt to score political points over the pandemic was popular among voters, polls suggested.
But he has recently become increasingly critical of the government's decision-making.
:: Subscribe to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"I'm quite prepared to accept that a government will make mistakes in a pandemic like this and one or two U-turns are probably a sign of a government listening and then changing," Sir Keir recently told Sky News presenter Kay Burley.
"But when you've got 12 in a row, the only conclusion is serial incompetence… Our country is better than that, we deserve better than that."


skynewspolitics--2020-09-26--PM tells world to unite against COVID-19 and stop 'grisly' comparisons of death rates

Boris Johnson has urged the world to unite against coronavirus , suggesting it had made nations seem `` selfish '' and apparently warning against the comparison of countries ' death rates .
In a pre-recorded speech to the United Nations General Assembly , the prime minister said `` the very notion of the international community looks tattered '' nine months into the COVID-19 pandemic .
`` Unless we unite and turn our fire against our common foe , we know that everyone will lose , '' he said .
`` The inevitable outcome will be to prolong this calamity and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He went on to outline a plan for preventing another global pandemic , including a network of zoonotic research labs around the world to identify dangerous pathogens before they leap from animals to humans .
`` COVID-19 has caused us to cease other vital work , and I 'm afraid it made individual nations seem selfish and divided from each other , '' he said .
`` Every day people were openly encouraged to study a grisly reverse Olympic league table , and to take morbid and totally mistaken comfort in the greater @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not go on like that , we can not make these mistakes again .
`` And here in the UK , the birthplace of Edward Jenner , who pioneered the world 's first vaccine , we are determined to do everything in our power to work with our friends across the UN , to heal those divisions and to heal the world . ''
Government figures say the UK has suffered almost 42,000 deaths from coronavirus , the highest number in Europe and fifth largest toll in the world .
Thirty-four deaths were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
UK statistics agency figures , meanwhile , show that there have been more than 57,000 deaths registered in the country where COVID-19 was mentioned on the death certificate .
The UK takes the presidency of the G7 next year so this speech was teeing up how Boris Johnson is going to approach that role .
He listed his five-point plan to make sure that if there were any future pandemic , countries around the world could work together more effectively to develop a vaccine .
He also highlighted concerns about tariffs and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and soap , and the impact on poorer nations in need of supplies .
Essentially , the prime minister was setting out what he sees as the mistakes that he believes were made .
He referred to his `` right to know '' where this virus came from and how it started , as someone who has suffered from the disease .
He talked about increasing the level of funding from the UK to the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) .
At a time when the US and Donald Trump has frozen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political move .
The UK is becoming the biggest country donor to that organisation - and the PM is clearly trying to demonstrate just how important he believes it is that the international community come together to combat this virus rather than divide itself .

Boris Johnson has urged the world to unite against coronavirus, suggesting it had made nations seem "selfish" and apparently warning against the comparison of countries' death rates.
In a pre-recorded speech to the United Nations General Assembly, the prime minister said "the very notion of the international community looks tattered" nine months into the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Unless we unite and turn our fire against our common foe, we know that everyone will lose," he said.
"The inevitable outcome will be to prolong this calamity and increase the risk of another."
He went on to outline a plan for preventing another global pandemic, including a network of zoonotic research labs around the world to identify dangerous pathogens before they leap from animals to humans.
"COVID-19 has caused us to cease other vital work, and I'm afraid it made individual nations seem selfish and divided from each other," he said.
"Every day people were openly encouraged to study a grisly reverse Olympic league table, and to take morbid and totally mistaken comfort in the greater sufferings of others.
"We cannot go on like that, we cannot make these mistakes again.
"And here in the UK, the birthplace of Edward Jenner, who pioneered the world's first vaccine, we are determined to do everything in our power to work with our friends across the UN, to heal those divisions and to heal the world."
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Image: Donald Trump has cut US funding to the World Health Organisation
Government figures say the UK has suffered almost 42,000 deaths from coronavirus, the highest number in Europe and fifth largest toll in the world.
Thirty-four deaths were confirmed in the latest update on Saturday.
UK statistics agency figures, meanwhile, show that there have been more than 57,000 deaths registered in the country where COVID-19 was mentioned on the death certificate.
Image: WHO director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has previously praised the PM's response to coronavirus
Analysis: PM alludes to a political move amid talk of global unity
By Kate McCann, political correspondent
The UK takes the presidency of the G7 next year so this speech was teeing up how Boris Johnson is going to approach that role.
He listed his five-point plan to make sure that if there were any future pandemic, countries around the world could work together more effectively to develop a vaccine.
He also highlighted concerns about tariffs and charges being increased on things like disinfectant and soap, and the impact on poorer nations in need of supplies.
Essentially, the prime minister was setting out what he sees as the mistakes that he believes were made.
He referred to his "right to know" where this virus came from and how it started, as someone who has suffered from the disease.
He talked about increasing the level of funding from the UK to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
At a time when the US and Donald Trump has frozen funding, that is clearly a very political move.
The UK is becoming the biggest country donor to that organisation - and the PM is clearly trying to demonstrate just how important he believes it is that the international community come together to combat this virus rather than divide itself.


skynewspolitics--2020-09-27--'This is how liberty dies' - Tory rebel ringleader pressures PM over coronavirus rules

A Conservative rebel ringleader is `` certain '' his group have enough votes to compel the government to give MPs a greater say over coronavirus lockdown restrictions .
Steve Baker , a former Brexit minister , is among a group of around 40 Tory MPs bidding to alter legislation so as to allow the House of Commons to be able to debate and vote on new COVID-19 measures before they come into force .
Calling on Prime Minister Boris Johnson to share `` the burden of decision on these measures '' with MPs , Mr Baker explained the effort is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the government 's policy before it comes into force and takes away people 's civil liberties '' .
He told Sky News ' Sophy Ridge on Sunday show : `` We 're in an environment where you really ca n't know whether you 're a criminal or not with this much law coming into force and changing so fast .
`` And that 's why I have said this is not a fit environment for a free people . ''
He continued : `` How do people think that liberty dies ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ exercising draconian powers without parliamentary scrutiny in advance , undermining the rule of law by having a shifting blanket of rules that no one can understand .
`` I mean , it 's extremely serious , I do n't think I look like a hysterical person to me , I am saying this is a very serious moment . ''
With a growing number of Tory MPs supporting the effort to alter the Coronavirus Act - through an amendment tabled by senior Conservative backbencher Sir Graham Brady , the chair of the 1922 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prospect of a possible Commons defeat on Wednesday .
Senior Labour and DUP MPs are also supporting the amendment .
And the group 's bid was offered a further boost when shadow culture secretary Jo Stevens told Sophy Ridge that her party could officially back the amendment too , if it is selected by Commons ' Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle .
`` I think the likelihood is that we would back it , '' said the Labour MP .
Mr Baker said he was `` certain '' the group had enough votes to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ministers to reach a compromise and not force a vote .
He added : `` Really we 'd prefer to avoid this coming to a division .
`` I 'm afraid it 's in the nature of the way parliament works that things happen like this .
`` I back Boris Johnson , I want him to succeed , but we do need to share with the government the burden of decision on these measures .
`` And not just come in days or weeks later , retrospectively , perhaps voting on measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : : Subscribe to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden told Sophy Ridge that Mr Baker 's comments about liberty were `` slightly overblown '' .
He offered little hint of the government bowing to the prospective rebels ' demands , although he reissued an offer for MPs to get a vote on the `` rule of six '' - which has been in force in England since 14 September .
`` It 's important in a crisis like this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the government has the power to move quickly , '' the cabinet minister said .
`` And that 's the power that the government was given through the initial legislation earlier this year '' But it is then important that MPs hold us to account and vote on that , and that is exactly what 's happening here .
`` These are very difficult choices we are making ; we have a rapidly expanding virus , we also have huge economic consequences from the decisions that we 're taking and we 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with that .
`` It is entirely right that government ministers are properly scrutinised by parliament through this process . ''

A Conservative rebel ringleader is "certain" his group have enough votes to compel the government to give MPs a greater say over coronavirus lockdown restrictions.
Steve Baker, a former Brexit minister, is among a group of around 40 Tory MPs bidding to alter legislation so as to allow the House of Commons to be able to debate and vote on new COVID-19 measures before they come into force.
Image: Boris Johnson is facing the prospect of a rebellion by Tory MPs. Pic: UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor
Calling on Prime Minister Boris Johnson to share "the burden of decision on these measures" with MPs, Mr Baker explained the effort is "all about MPs having a vote on the government's policy before it comes into force and takes away people's civil liberties".
He told Sky News' Sophy Ridge on Sunday show: "We're in an environment where you really can't know whether you're a criminal or not with this much law coming into force and changing so fast.
"And that's why I have said this is not a fit environment for a free people."
He continued: "How do people think that liberty dies?
"It dies like this with government exercising draconian powers without parliamentary scrutiny in advance, undermining the rule of law by having a shifting blanket of rules that no one can understand.
"I mean, it's extremely serious, I don't think I look like a hysterical person to me, I am saying this is a very serious moment."
With a growing number of Tory MPs supporting the effort to alter the Coronavirus Act - through an amendment tabled by senior Conservative backbencher Sir Graham Brady, the chair of the 1922 Committee - the government is facing the prospect of a possible Commons defeat on Wednesday.
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Senior Labour and DUP MPs are also supporting the amendment.
And the group's bid was offered a further boost when shadow culture secretary Jo Stevens told Sophy Ridge that her party could officially back the amendment too, if it is selected by Commons' Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle.
"I think the likelihood is that we would back it," said the Labour MP.
Mr Baker said he was "certain" the group had enough votes to defeat the government, although he encouraged ministers to reach a compromise and not force a vote.
He added: "Really we'd prefer to avoid this coming to a division.
"I'm afraid it's in the nature of the way parliament works that things happen like this.
"I back Boris Johnson, I want him to succeed, but we do need to share with the government the burden of decision on these measures.
"And not just come in days or weeks later, retrospectively, perhaps voting on measures which have subsequently been amended."
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Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden told Sophy Ridge that Mr Baker's comments about liberty were "slightly overblown".
He offered little hint of the government bowing to the prospective rebels' demands, although he reissued an offer for MPs to get a vote on the "rule of six" - which has been in force in England since 14 September.
"It's important in a crisis like this where things are moving very rapidly, that the government has the power to move quickly," the cabinet minister said.
"And that's the power that the government was given through the initial legislation earlier this year
"But it is then important that MPs hold us to account and vote on that, and that is exactly what's happening here.
"These are very difficult choices we are making; we have a rapidly expanding virus, we also have huge economic consequences from the decisions that we're taking and we're having to take the measures to deal with that.
"It is entirely right that government ministers are properly scrutinised by parliament through this process."


skynewspolitics--2020-09-27--'Follow the rules if you want students home for Christmas', says culture secretary

University students will be able to return home to their families for Christmas if the public sticks to the new COVID-19 restrictions and helps bring the virus under control , the culture secretary has told Sky News .
Appearing on Sophy Ridge On Sunday , Oliver Dowden said : `` I want students to be able to go home for Christmas and if we all pull together and observe these new rules , we follow the guidance , then we should be able to get to a point where that should be possible . ''
He accused Labour of playing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the shadow education secretary calling for action to be taken on the impact of coronavirus outbreaks among students who returned to universities this month .
`` I do n't think it 's helpful at this stage three months away to speculate , '' said the cabinet minister .
`` We have announced a range of measures .
We are constantly keeping this situation under review , taking the necessary measures to keep the virus under control .
`` All of that is designed to ensure that we keep the virus under control in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to live their lives as normally as possible in this situation . ''
Mr Dowden added : `` The thing we should be focusing on now is ensuring that we actually take these measures and abide by them . ''
Sky 's political correspondent Rob Powell said Mr Dowden 's comments were `` hardly a cast iron guarantee that many students will want to hear '' .
Labour 's Kate Green has written to Education Secretary Gavin Williamson calling for `` urgent clarity and reassurance '' on the matter .
The party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place to ensure students can be home over the festive period .
It comes after 1,700 students at Manchester Metropolitan University were told to stay in their rooms for two weeks after 127 tested positive for the coronavirus .
Across the UK , at least 32 universities have confirmed cases of COVID-19 and more than 510 cases have been identified among students and staff since campuses reopened , according to data collected by Sky News up to 25 September .
Shadow culture secretary Jo Stevens told Sophy Ridge On Sunday : `` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first obviously , but we have said , Labour has said , we think that students should be allowed home at Christmas , and to enable them to do that we need an effective test , trace and isolate system in place . ''
It is not just Labour that has demanded more action .
Conservative MP Robert Halfon , who chairs the education select committee , has also called on ministers to reassure parents on the matter .
: : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Saturday : `` We need a clear testing system for universities .
Across schools , universities and colleges , testing should have been one of the priority areas ... the government has got to sort it out . ''
`` We also need to get guidance about online learning and also whether consideration should be given that students will get a discount if they do n't have significant face-to-face tuition or interaction with their lecturers over the coming months . ''
MP Amanda Milling , co-chair of the Conservative Party , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at university over Christmas and accused Labour of `` deliberately creating unnecessary stress for young people to score political points '' .
Alex Norris MP , Labour 's shadow minister for public health , responded : `` The government is yet again sowing the seeds of chaos and incompetence - denying plans to keep students at university over Christmas at the same time the culture secretary was refusing to rule it out '' .
`` Gavin Williamson must come to parliament and explain the situation and the government must set out its winter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he added .

University students will be able to return home to their families for Christmas if the public sticks to the new COVID-19 restrictions and helps bring the virus under control, the culture secretary has told Sky News.
Appearing on Sophy Ridge On Sunday, Oliver Dowden said: "I want students to be able to go home for Christmas and if we all pull together and observe these new rules, we follow the guidance, then we should be able to get to a point where that should be possible."
He accused Labour of playing party politics following a letter sent by the shadow education secretary calling for action to be taken on the impact of coronavirus outbreaks among students who returned to universities this month.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:44 Manchester students: First year 'kind of ruined'
"I don't think it's helpful at this stage three months away to speculate," said the cabinet minister.
"We have announced a range of measures. We are constantly keeping this situation under review, taking the necessary measures to keep the virus under control.
"All of that is designed to ensure that we keep the virus under control in a way that will enable people to continue to live their lives as normally as possible in this situation."
Mr Dowden added: "The thing we should be focusing on now is ensuring that we actually take these measures and abide by them."
Sky's political correspondent Rob Powell said Mr Dowden's comments were "hardly a cast iron guarantee that many students will want to hear".
Labour's Kate Green has written to Education Secretary Gavin Williamson calling for "urgent clarity and reassurance" on the matter.
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The party wants to see testing provision put in place to ensure students can be home over the festive period.
It comes after 1,700 students at Manchester Metropolitan University were told to stay in their rooms for two weeks after 127 tested positive for the coronavirus.
Across the UK, at least 32 universities have confirmed cases of COVID-19 and more than 510 cases have been identified among students and staff since campuses reopened, according to data collected by Sky News up to 25 September.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:38 COVID rules: 'This is how liberty dies'
Shadow culture secretary Jo Stevens told Sophy Ridge On Sunday: "We have to put safety and public health first obviously, but we have said, Labour has said, we think that students should be allowed home at Christmas, and to enable them to do that we need an effective test, trace and isolate system in place."
It is not just Labour that has demanded more action.
Conservative MP Robert Halfon, who chairs the education select committee, has also called on ministers to reassure parents on the matter.
He told Sky News on Saturday: "We need a clear testing system for universities. Across schools, universities and colleges, testing should have been one of the priority areas... the government has got to sort it out."
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"We also need to get guidance about online learning and also whether consideration should be given that students will get a discount if they don't have significant face-to-face tuition or interaction with their lecturers over the coming months."
MP Amanda Milling, co-chair of the Conservative Party, said there are no plans to keep students at university over Christmas and accused Labour of "deliberately creating unnecessary stress for young people to score political points".
Alex Norris MP, Labour's shadow minister for public health, responded: "The government is yet again sowing the seeds of chaos and incompetence - denying plans to keep students at university over Christmas at the same time the culture secretary was refusing to rule it out".
"Gavin Williamson must come to parliament and explain the situation and the government must set out its winter strategy for controlling the virus," he added.


skynewspolitics--2020-09-27--Government wants 'strong' BBC chair - amid reports PM's old boss will get role

The government wants `` a strong , big person who can hold the BBC to account '' amid reports the corporation 's next chair could be Boris Johnson 's former newspaper boss .
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden praised the `` strengths '' of both Charles Moore - the former editor of the Daily Telegraph , who has been linked to the BBC role - and Paul Dacre , the ex-editor of the Daily Mail who has been touted as the new chair of broadcasting regulator Ofcom .
The two prominent Brexiteers are reported to be the prime minister 's choice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Dowden , speaking to Sky News ' Sophy Ridge On Sunday show , said he and Mr Johnson `` have been in touch with each other a lot '' about the two roles .
However , he refused to be drawn on `` speculation about different candidates '' .
`` Everyone is getting a little bit ahead of themselves with this , '' the Cabinet minister said .
`` We will be launching shortly the process for the appointment of both the chairman of the BBC and the Ofcom chair and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to apply for it . ''
Mr Dowden said the government was seeking `` a strong , big person who can hold the BBC to account '' , adding : `` It is important that we have genuine , robust scrutiny of the BBC and I 'm looking forward to driving that agenda . ''
Lord Moore , who was handed a peerage by Downing Street earlier this year , was Mr Johnson 's editor during the prime minister 's spell as a Daily Telegraph journalist .
The Sunday Times reported the prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the BBC chairmanship around a month ago and that it was virtually a `` done deal '' .
A source close to Mr Johnson was quoted as telling the newspaper : `` This is part of a process of the prime minister putting allies in key positions . ''
Lord Moore has been a strident critic of the BBC licence fee and has previously accused the corporation of having `` despised '' Brexit voters .
He claimed the BBC was `` a body with its own impermeable , uniform , would-be-right-on culture '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been criticised for his previous writings about Islam and climate change .
Mr Dacre , 71 , was editor of the pro-Brexit Daily Mail for more than 25 years and was critical of the BBC during his time in charge of the newspaper .
He would help regulate all broadcasters should he take on the Ofcom role .
: : Subscribe to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Tory MP Steve Baker , a Brexiteer , told Sky News he looked forward to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conservative and pragmatic in what is being reported '' if Lord Moore and Mr Dacre are given the roles .
But Labour criticised the government following the reports of the pair 's pending appointments .
Shadow culture secretary Jo Stevens said : `` The whole idea of announcing appointments before a process has actually taken place is a bit strange .
`` I think the public will be wondering where the government 's priorities are in this , why are they interfering in an open process . ''
Shadow Home Office minister Jess @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they look after their own and do n't give a toss about anything but making sure their mates have jobs . ''
Current Ofcom chairman Terence Burns is due to leave before the end of the year , while BBC chairman Sir David Clementi will stand down in February .
The BBC did not comment on the reports .

The government wants "a strong, big person who can hold the BBC to account" amid reports the corporation's next chair could be Boris Johnson's former newspaper boss.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden praised the "strengths" of both Charles Moore - the former editor of the Daily Telegraph, who has been linked to the BBC role - and Paul Dacre, the ex-editor of the Daily Mail who has been touted as the new chair of broadcasting regulator Ofcom.
The two prominent Brexiteers are reported to be the prime minister's choice to take on the two influential positions.
Image: Former Daily Mail editor Paul Dacre is reportedly in line to take over Ofcom
Mr Dowden, speaking to Sky News' Sophy Ridge On Sunday show, said he and Mr Johnson "have been in touch with each other a lot" about the two roles.
However, he refused to be drawn on "speculation about different candidates".
"Everyone is getting a little bit ahead of themselves with this," the Cabinet minister said.
"We will be launching shortly the process for the appointment of both the chairman of the BBC and the Ofcom chair and at that point applicants will be welcome to apply for it."
Mr Dowden said the government was seeking "a strong, big person who can hold the BBC to account", adding: "It is important that we have genuine, robust scrutiny of the BBC and I'm looking forward to driving that agenda."
Lord Moore, who was handed a peerage by Downing Street earlier this year, was Mr Johnson's editor during the prime minister's spell as a Daily Telegraph journalist.
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The Sunday Times reported the prime minister had asked him to take on the BBC chairmanship around a month ago and that it was virtually a "done deal".
A source close to Mr Johnson was quoted as telling the newspaper: "This is part of a process of the prime minister putting allies in key positions."
Lord Moore has been a strident critic of the BBC licence fee and has previously accused the corporation of having "despised" Brexit voters.
He claimed the BBC was "a body with its own impermeable, uniform, would-be-right-on culture" in January this year.
The 63-year-old has been criticised for his previous writings about Islam and climate change.
Mr Dacre, 71, was editor of the pro-Brexit Daily Mail for more than 25 years and was critical of the BBC during his time in charge of the newspaper.
He would help regulate all broadcasters should he take on the Ofcom role.
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Tory MP Steve Baker, a Brexiteer, told Sky News he looked forward to the media being "a bit more conservative and pragmatic in what is being reported" if Lord Moore and Mr Dacre are given the roles.
But Labour criticised the government following the reports of the pair's pending appointments.
Shadow culture secretary Jo Stevens said: "The whole idea of announcing appointments before a process has actually taken place is a bit strange.
"I think the public will be wondering where the government's priorities are in this, why are they interfering in an open process."
Shadow Home Office minister Jess Phillips said: "Just always know they look after their own and don't give a toss about anything but making sure their mates have jobs."
Current Ofcom chairman Terence Burns is due to leave before the end of the year, while BBC chairman Sir David Clementi will stand down in February.
The BBC did not comment on the reports.


skynewspolitics--2020-09-27--Controversial actor launches political party to 'fight the culture wars'

Actor Laurence Fox has launched a new political party he says is aimed at the `` reclamation '' of British values .
The former star of Lewis and member of the Fox acting dynasty said he had been given £5 million to get it up and running .
Fox , 42 , told The Sunday Telegraph that the group , provisionally named Reclaim , would `` fight the culture wars '' and that he intended to stand candidates at the next general election .
In a statement announcing the launch on Twitter , he said his party would `` change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understanding '' .
Politicians , he wrote , had `` lost touch '' with people and `` public institutions now work to an agenda beyond their main purpose '' .
`` Our modern United Kingdom was borne out of the respectful inclusion of so many individual voices , '' he said .
`` It is steeped in the innate values of families and communities , diverse in the truest sense but united in the want and need to call this island home .
`` The people of the United Kingdom are tired of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thing we have , in history , stood together against . ''
Fox , who has been a fierce critic of the BBC , sparked controversy when he said suggestions of `` racism '' over how the Duchess of Sussex was treated in some quarters was `` boring '' .
He also hit out at black and working class actors who he claimed only expressed concerns about the industry once they had `` five million quid in the bank '' .
Fox , the ex-husband of actress Billie Piper , had raised large @ @ @ @ @ @ @ name is subject to approval by the Electoral Commission , the paper said .
The actor said he wanted `` to preserve and celebrate our shared national history '' and reform publicly funded institutions , from media to education , so they are `` free from political bias '' .
His post provoked mixed responses on Twitter , with one user predicting `` millions of voters '' would back his party and another suggesting he had chosen `` the British way '' of promoting change .
Others were less welcoming .
One commentator @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a long list of failed right wing experiments '' , while another described him as a `` singularly inept political illiterate seeking to fan flames of hate/racism/bigotry '' .
Fox is the son of actor James Fox and part of the Fox acting dynasty along with his brother , Jack , and cousins , Emilia and Freddie .

Actor Laurence Fox has launched a new political party he says is aimed at the "reclamation" of British values.
The former star of Lewis and member of the Fox acting dynasty said he had been given £5 million to get it up and running.
Fox, 42, told The Sunday Telegraph that the group, provisionally named Reclaim, would "fight the culture wars" and that he intended to stand candidates at the next general election.
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
In a statement announcing the launch on Twitter, he said his party would "change everything... with love, reason and understanding".
Politicians, he wrote, had "lost touch" with people and "public institutions now work to an agenda beyond their main purpose".
"Our modern United Kingdom was borne out of the respectful inclusion of so many individual voices," he said.
"It is steeped in the innate values of families and communities, diverse in the truest sense but united in the want and need to call this island home.
"The people of the United Kingdom are tired of being told that we represent the very thing we have, in history, stood together against."
Fox, who has been a fierce critic of the BBC, sparked controversy when he said suggestions of "racism" over how the Duchess of Sussex was treated in some quarters was "boring".
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He also hit out at black and working class actors who he claimed only expressed concerns about the industry once they had "five million quid in the bank".
Fox, the ex-husband of actress Billie Piper, had raised large sums from ex-Tory donors and the party name is subject to approval by the Electoral Commission, the paper said.
The actor said he wanted "to preserve and celebrate our shared national history" and reform publicly funded institutions, from media to education, so they are "free from political bias".
His post provoked mixed responses on Twitter, with one user predicting "millions of voters" would back his party and another suggesting he had chosen "the British way" of promoting change.
Others were less welcoming. One commentator called the plan the latest in "a long list of failed right wing experiments", while another described him as a "singularly inept political illiterate seeking to fan flames of hate/racism/bigotry".
Fox is the son of actor James Fox and part of the Fox acting dynasty along with his brother, Jack, and cousins, Emilia and Freddie.


skynewspolitics--2020-09-27--Five things we learnt from this week's Sophy Ridge on Sunday

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is trying to balance the competing demands of suppressing coronavirus infections while keeping the economy open - and could he also be facing a Commons rebellion ?
Here are five things we learnt from this week 's Sophy Ridge On Sunday : 1 ) Students should be home for Christmas - if we follow the rules The prospect of students being forced to stay in university halls of residence over Christmas was not ruled out by Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden - although he stressed it was something the government hopes to avoid .
`` I very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go home at Christmas , '' he told Sophy Ridge on Sunday .
`` If we all pull together and observe these new rules , follow the guidance , then we will be able to get to a point where that should be possible . ''
It 's not been a good year for the those starting university for the first time .
First , the colossal disruption of coronavirus , next the stress of exam results picked by what the prime minister at one point called a `` mutant algorithm '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ only to find teaching moving online and lockdown rules for thousands .
With some of the new cohorts of students in Manchester and Glasgow saying they 're unable to purchase food or get their clothes washed , it 's perhaps unsurprising that the idea of Christmas restrictions has gone down so poorly with both students and parents .
The measure would aim to avoid infections being seeded across the country during the winter ; but the combination of prior problems and fears about the impact on vulnerable young people have only fuelled criticism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dies ? '
`` Liberty dies with government exercising draconian powers without parliamentary scrutiny in advance , '' a prominent Conservative MP said .
Former Brexit minister Steve Baker told the show : `` I doubt really anyone understands what that law is much beyond the people who wrote the Frequently Asked Questions available on the gov.uk website .
`` We are in an environment where you really ca n't know whether you 're a criminal or not with this much law coming to force and changing so fast . ''
Around 40 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensure they can debate coronavirus and vote on lockdown restrictions before they are imposed , uniting behind an amendment to the Coronavirus Act proposed by leading backbencher Sir Graham Brady .
The culture secretary politely described Mr Baker 's words as `` slightly overblown , '' but the challenge to the government 's once-unassailable majority is clear .
More bad news for the government came in the next interview , as Labour 's shadow culture secretary Jo Stevens said , if Sir Graham 's amendment were selected for debate , her party were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likelihood is that we would back it , '' Ms Stevens said , but added Labour would prefer `` what our amendment sets out , which is more transparency and publishing the data '' .
Mr Baker said he was `` certain '' that if Labour , the SNP and the Liberal Democrats banded together with the Tory rebels then Sir Graham 's amendment would pass .
4 ) Reopen as fast as we can The economy has to be reopened `` as quickly as we can '' according to the director general @ @ @ @ @ @ @ latest coronavirus restrictions , Dame Carolyn Fairbairn said : `` The restrictions were really disappointing for business .
`` Firms have understood , all the way through this , that health has to come first and they also want to avoid a second lockdown above all else , but these are a real blow .
`` The hospitality restrictions , the 10pm curfew , these are all hitting businesses really , really hard and the instruction to office workers to go back to working from home where they can , that is really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that depend on the hustle and bustle .
`` We absolutely have to focus on trying to get our economy back open as quickly as we can . ''
Chancellor Rishi Sunak appeared outside 11 Downing Street - before announcing the recent measures to support the economy - with Dame Carolyn to one side and the TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady on the other .
But the question of how long that `` tightrope '' can be walked remains .
5 ) 'Strengths ' to both Charles Moore and Paul Dacre One of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report that Charles Moore and Paul Dacre could become BBC chairman and head of broadcast regulator Ofcom , respectively .
`` Clearly there are strengths to both Charles Moore and Paul Dacre , '' said Mr Dowden , but he warned `` everyone is getting a little bit ahead of themselves with this '' .
The culture secretary added the government is seeking a `` strong , big person who can hold the BBC to account '' .
`` There are three things that I 've been talking about with the BBC : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ genuine impartiality , '' he said .
`` Secondly , ensuring the BBC is up to the challenges of the future .
`` And then thirdly , ensuring that the BBC represents all parts of our nation , not just narrow metropolitan areas .
`` It is important that we have genuine , robust scrutiny of the BBC . ''
The duo of former newspaper editors ( Lord Moore for the Daily Telegraph and Mr Dacre for the Daily Mail ) have criticised the BBC repeatedly , with the latter saying in 2007 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kind of cultural Marxism '' .

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is trying to balance the competing demands of suppressing coronavirus infections while keeping the economy open - and could he also be facing a Commons rebellion?
Here are five things we learnt from this week's Sophy Ridge On Sunday:
1) Students should be home for Christmas - if we follow the rules
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:40 Students should be home for Christmas - if rules are followed
The prospect of students being forced to stay in university halls of residence over Christmas was not ruled out by Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden - although he stressed it was something the government hopes to avoid.
"I very much want students to be able to go home at Christmas," he told Sophy Ridge on Sunday.
"If we all pull together and observe these new rules, follow the guidance, then we will be able to get to a point where that should be possible."
It's not been a good year for the those starting university for the first time.
First, the colossal disruption of coronavirus, next the stress of exam results picked by what the prime minister at one point called a "mutant algorithm".
Now freshers have arrived at their universities only to find teaching moving online and lockdown rules for thousands.
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With some of the new cohorts of students in Manchester and Glasgow saying they're unable to purchase food or get their clothes washed, it's perhaps unsurprising that the idea of Christmas restrictions has gone down so poorly with both students and parents.
The measure would aim to avoid infections being seeded across the country during the winter; but the combination of prior problems and fears about the impact on vulnerable young people have only fuelled criticism.
2) 'Is this how liberty dies?'
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:38 COVID rules: 'This is how liberty dies'
"Liberty dies with government exercising draconian powers without parliamentary scrutiny in advance," a prominent Conservative MP said.
Former Brexit minister Steve Baker told the show: "I doubt really anyone understands what that law is much beyond the people who wrote the Frequently Asked Questions available on the gov.uk website.
"We are in an environment where you really can't know whether you're a criminal or not with this much law coming to force and changing so fast."
Around 40 Conservative MPs are backing a push to ensure they can debate coronavirus and vote on lockdown restrictions before they are imposed, uniting behind an amendment to the Coronavirus Act proposed by leading backbencher Sir Graham Brady.
The culture secretary politely described Mr Baker's words as "slightly overblown," but the challenge to the government's once-unassailable majority is clear.
3) Labour could back the Brady amendment
More bad news for the government came in the next interview, as Labour's shadow culture secretary Jo Stevens said, if Sir Graham's amendment were selected for debate, her party were likely to back it.
"The likelihood is that we would back it," Ms Stevens said, but added Labour would prefer "what our amendment sets out, which is more transparency and publishing the data".
Mr Baker said he was "certain" that if Labour, the SNP and the Liberal Democrats banded together with the Tory rebels then Sir Graham's amendment would pass.
4) Reopen as fast as we can
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:00 CBI chief defends job support scheme
The economy has to be reopened "as quickly as we can" according to the director general of the CBI.
Asked about the latest coronavirus restrictions, Dame Carolyn Fairbairn said: "The restrictions were really disappointing for business.
"Firms have understood, all the way through this, that health has to come first and they also want to avoid a second lockdown above all else, but these are a real blow.
"The hospitality restrictions, the 10pm curfew, these are all hitting businesses really, really hard and the instruction to office workers to go back to working from home where they can, that is really affecting our city centres and small businesses that depend on the hustle and bustle.
"We absolutely have to focus on trying to get our economy back open as quickly as we can."
Chancellor Rishi Sunak appeared outside 11 Downing Street - before announcing the recent measures to support the economy - with Dame Carolyn to one side and the TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady on the other.
But the question of how long that "tightrope" can be walked remains.
5) 'Strengths' to both Charles Moore and Paul Dacre
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One of the bombshells of the weekend was the report that Charles Moore and Paul Dacre could become BBC chairman and head of broadcast regulator Ofcom, respectively.
"Clearly there are strengths to both Charles Moore and Paul Dacre," said Mr Dowden, but he warned "everyone is getting a little bit ahead of themselves with this".
The culture secretary added the government is seeking a "strong, big person who can hold the BBC to account".
"There are three things that I've been talking about with the BBC: first of all, ensuring there is genuine impartiality," he said.
"Secondly, ensuring the BBC is up to the challenges of the future.
"And then thirdly, ensuring that the BBC represents all parts of our nation, not just narrow metropolitan areas.
"It is important that we have genuine, robust scrutiny of the BBC."
The duo of former newspaper editors (Lord Moore for the Daily Telegraph and Mr Dacre for the Daily Mail) have criticised the BBC repeatedly, with the latter saying in 2007 that the national broadcaster "exercises a kind of cultural Marxism".