skynewspolitics--2020-11-15--COVID-19 tier system 'not very well thought out' warns SAGE scientist

The coronavirus lockdown tier system being used in England `` was not very well thought out '' , a government scientific adviser has said .
Under current plans , a regional tiered system is set to replace the national lockdown when it ends on 2 December .
However , professor John Edmunds , a member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( SAGE ) , has warned a return to the lowest alert level of the regional tier system , Tier 1 , when the lockdown ends would be `` very unwise '' .
`` The problem with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do much at all , Tier 2 probably has some effect , but not a great deal , and Tier 3 seems to be able to hold the epidemic , '' he said .
`` The problem with the tier system is that inevitably you end up with quite a lot of places with high incidence under those circumstances .
`` Because the Tier 1 and Tier 2 ones just eventually drift up into Tier 3 with a high incidence , and then Tier 3 holds it there . ''
He added : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thought through strategy , frankly . ''
Prof Edmunds , of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine , also urged the government to use a long-term strategy when it comes to balancing the economy and the pandemic .
`` We need to take a long-term view and be sensible and realise that we 're going to have to have restrictions in place for some time , '' he said .
`` Yes , we can lift them when it 's safe to do so , which will be primarily when large @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` But flip-flopping between encouraging people to mix socially , which is what you 're doing by encouraging people to go to restaurants and bars , versus then immediately closing them again , is n't a very sensible way to run the epidemic . ''
Meanwhile , a further 462 people have died within 28 days of testing positive for COVID-19 as of Saturday .
As of 9am on Saturday , there had been a further 26,860 lab-confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK , slightly down from 27,301 on Friday .
Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` stamp out dangerous anti-vax content '' following promising preliminary results from the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine .

The coronavirus lockdown tier system being used in England "was not very well thought out", a government scientific adviser has said.
Under current plans, a regional tiered system is set to replace the national lockdown when it ends on 2 December.
However, professor John Edmunds, a member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), has warned a return to the lowest alert level of the regional tier system, Tier 1, when the lockdown ends would be "very unwise".
"The problem with the tier system is Tier 1 doesn't do much at all, Tier 2 probably has some effect, but not a great deal, and Tier 3 seems to be able to hold the epidemic," he said.
Image: Experts are not convinced the lockdown system is working
"The problem with the tier system is that inevitably you end up with quite a lot of places with high incidence under those circumstances.
"Because the Tier 1 and Tier 2 ones just eventually drift up into Tier 3 with a high incidence, and then Tier 3 holds it there."
He added: "It wasn't a very well thought through strategy, frankly."
Prof Edmunds, of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, also urged the government to use a long-term strategy when it comes to balancing the economy and the pandemic.
"We need to take a long-term view and be sensible and realise that we're going to have to have restrictions in place for some time," he said.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:18 What you can and can't do now England is in second lockdown
"Yes, we can lift them when it's safe to do so, which will be primarily when large numbers of people have been vaccinated.
"But flip-flopping between encouraging people to mix socially, which is what you're doing by encouraging people to go to restaurants and bars, versus then immediately closing them again, isn't a very sensible way to run the epidemic."
Meanwhile, a further 462 people have died within 28 days of testing positive for COVID-19 as of Saturday.
As of 9am on Saturday, there had been a further 26,860 lab-confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK, slightly down from 27,301 on Friday.
Labour has also called for emergency legislation to "stamp out dangerous anti-vax content" following promising preliminary results from the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine.


skynewspolitics--2020-11-14--Dominic Cummings seen for first time since leaving Downing Street

Dominic Cummings has been seen for the first time since leaving Downing Street after leaving his role as the PM 's top adviser .
The former senior adviser came out of the basement of his home in Islington on Saturday afternoon before getting into a waiting car .
He refused to answer questions from journalists outside his home after leaving Number 10 Downing Street on Friday evening carrying a cardboard box of his belongings .
The prime minister 's right-hand man dramatically left his role after a power struggle that has rocked the administration ahead of crucial Brexit talks with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 31 December .
Mr Cummings ' fellow Vote Leave veteran Lee Cain resigned as Number 10 's communication chief just hours before the controversial adviser 's departure .
They are both believed to continue to be employed until mid-December but will work from home , with reports suggesting Mr Cummings will be working on mass testing .
The Daily Telegraph reported Mr Cummings was said to have told colleagues Mr Johnson was `` indecisive '' and that he and Mr Cain relied on Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove for clarity .
Tensions are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the prime minister 's fiancee , Carrie Symonds , reportedly showed him `` hostile texts '' briefing against her that had been forwarded to her .
A number of Conservative backbenchers have urged Number 10 to use this as an opportunity to restore several important values within the party .
Senior Tory MP Sir Bernard Jenkin said it was time to restore `` respect , integrity and trust '' to the relationship , elements which had been `` lacking in recent months '' .
Sir Edward Lister , who was deputy mayor of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been appointed interim chief of staff pending a permanent appointment .
The prime minister 's official spokesman , James Slack , who will replace Mr Cain in the new year , insisted Mr Johnson would not be distracted by the row .
`` What the prime minister and the government are focused upon is taking every possible step to get this country through the coronavirus pandemic , '' he said .

Dominic Cummings has been seen for the first time since leaving Downing Street after leaving his role as the PM's top adviser.
The former senior adviser came out of the basement of his home in Islington on Saturday afternoon before getting into a waiting car.
He refused to answer questions from journalists outside his home after leaving Number 10 Downing Street on Friday evening carrying a cardboard box of his belongings.
Image: Dominic Cummings was seen leaving Downing Street with a box of his belongings
The prime minister's right-hand man dramatically left his role after a power struggle that has rocked the administration ahead of crucial Brexit talks with Brussels before the transition period deadline of 31 December.
Mr Cummings' fellow Vote Leave veteran Lee Cain resigned as Number 10's communication chief just hours before the controversial adviser's departure.
They are both believed to continue to be employed until mid-December but will work from home, with reports suggesting Mr Cummings will be working on mass testing.
The Daily Telegraph reported Mr Cummings was said to have told colleagues Mr Johnson was "indecisive" and that he and Mr Cain relied on Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove for clarity.
Tensions are believed to have been raised further after the prime minister's fiancee, Carrie Symonds, reportedly showed him "hostile texts" briefing against her that had been forwarded to her.
A number of Conservative backbenchers have urged Number 10 to use this as an opportunity to restore several important values within the party.
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Image: Dominic Cummings (L) and Lee Cain (R) both left their Downing Street roles on Friday
Senior Tory MP Sir Bernard Jenkin said it was time to restore "respect, integrity and trust" to the relationship, elements which had been "lacking in recent months".
Sir Edward Lister, who was deputy mayor of London for policy under Mr Johnson, has been appointed interim chief of staff pending a permanent appointment.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:35 Monsters, liars: The battle for power at No. 10
The prime minister's official spokesman, James Slack, who will replace Mr Cain in the new year, insisted Mr Johnson would not be distracted by the row.
"What the prime minister and the government are focused upon is taking every possible step to get this country through the coronavirus pandemic," he said.


skynewspolitics--2020-11-15--'This is move week': Ireland issues ultimatum over PM's bid to break international law

Ireland is warning that no post-Brexit trade deal will be struck if the UK pushes on with a plan to break international law .
Tensions have ratcheted up following comments by senior figures in both governments ahead of another crucial week for negotiations .
Ireland 's foreign minister Simon Coveney told Sky 's Sophy Ridge on Sunday programme that should Boris Johnson persist with trying to override parts of the EU divorce deal , then a new treaty on the future relationship will be off the table .
`` This is move week , '' he said .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' But a senior minister in the UK confirmed that Mr Johnson will stick to his plan and keep the controversial parts of the draft legislation in place .
Peers have removed the offending bits of the Internal Market Bill , which included giving ministers the power to `` disapply '' parts of the withdrawal agreement relating to goods moving between Northern Ireland and Great Britain .
The bill is due to go back to the Commons soon , but Environment Secretary George Eustice told the programme that all the original parts will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ultimatum from Mr Coveney , who told Ridge that , if that happened : `` This is a deal that wo n't be ratified by the EU . ''
Mr Coveney added : `` There is an absolutely unanimous view that if the British government deliberately decides to break international law and undermine a treaty that 's not even 12 months old , well then why would the EU sign up to a new deal , when the UK is breaking the existing one ?
`` Any logical person listening to that argument @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from . ''
But he added : `` Having said that , I think we need to focus less on the legalities of these issues and more on actually resolving the outstanding issues . ''
If the two outstanding trade deal disputes - fishing and state aid - can be ironed out , then `` the issues that the [ UK ] government say they have , that they are dealing with , with the Internal Market Bill , effectively disappear anyway '' , he added .
In a sign of movement ahead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the UK 's chief negotiator , Lord Frost , said `` there has been some progress in a positive direction in recent days '' .
Though he cautioned `` we may not succeed '' , so urged businesses to prepare for change when the transition period expires on 31 December , regardless of the outcome .
Labour has repeated calls for the government to strike a deal , shadow health secretary Jon Ashworth telling Sky News : `` Because of coronavirus , the economy of this country has taken a massive hit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal with the EU will be better for people 's jobs .
`` Boris Johnson told us he had an oven-ready deal ...
He 's got to deliver on his promise to the British people and get that deal . ''
The UK 's stance has also come under renewed pressure due to the election of Joe Biden as US president-elect , given his past comments warning against peace in Northern Ireland becoming a `` casualty '' of Brexit .
Brandon Lewis , the Northern Ireland secretary , admitted two months ago the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law '' , prompting a severe backlash in Westminster and abroad .
The head of the government legal department resigned , as did a Tory minister , and past Conservative prime ministers and leaders - including Brexiteer Michael Howard - have opposed the bill , while Brussels has started legal action .
Mr Johnson has said the measures are needed to ensure the free-flow of goods across the UK .

Ireland is warning that no post-Brexit trade deal will be struck if the UK pushes on with a plan to break international law.
Tensions have ratcheted up following comments by senior figures in both governments ahead of another crucial week for negotiations.
Ireland's foreign minister Simon Coveney told Sky's Sophy Ridge on Sunday programme that should Boris Johnson persist with trying to override parts of the EU divorce deal, then a new treaty on the future relationship will be off the table.
Image: The transition period expires on 31 December
"This is move week," he said. "We've got to make big progress."
But a senior minister in the UK confirmed that Mr Johnson will stick to his plan and keep the controversial parts of the draft legislation in place.
Peers have removed the offending bits of the Internal Market Bill, which included giving ministers the power to "disapply" parts of the withdrawal agreement relating to goods moving between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
The bill is due to go back to the Commons soon, but Environment Secretary George Eustice told the programme that all the original parts will be included.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:10 Cabinet minister defends internal market bill
He faced down the ultimatum from Mr Coveney, who told Ridge that, if that happened: "This is a deal that won't be ratified by the EU."
Mr Coveney added: "There is an absolutely unanimous view that if the British government deliberately decides to break international law and undermine a treaty that's not even 12 months old, well then why would the EU sign up to a new deal, when the UK is breaking the existing one?
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"Any logical person listening to that argument surely understands where the EU is coming from."
Image: Negotiations are continuing in Brussels next week
But he added: "Having said that, I think we need to focus less on the legalities of these issues and more on actually resolving the outstanding issues."
If the two outstanding trade deal disputes - fishing and state aid - can be ironed out, then "the issues that the [UK] government say they have, that they are dealing with, with the Internal Market Bill, effectively disappear anyway", he added.
Image: The bill gives ministers powers to 'disapply' parts of the divorce deal covering trade
In a sign of movement ahead of more talks in Brussels next week, the UK's chief negotiator, Lord Frost, said "there has been some progress in a positive direction in recent days".
Though he cautioned "we may not succeed", so urged businesses to prepare for change when the transition period expires on 31 December, regardless of the outcome.
Labour has repeated calls for the government to strike a deal, shadow health secretary Jon Ashworth telling Sky News: "Because of coronavirus, the economy of this country has taken a massive hit. We know that getting a good deal with the EU will be better for people's jobs.
"Boris Johnson told us he had an oven-ready deal... He's got to deliver on his promise to the British people and get that deal."
Image: The PM said he wants to keep trade within the UK barrier-free
The UK's stance has also come under renewed pressure due to the election of Joe Biden as US president-elect, given his past comments warning against peace in Northern Ireland becoming a "casualty" of Brexit.
Brandon Lewis, the Northern Ireland secretary, admitted two months ago the Internal Market Bill "does break international law", prompting a severe backlash in Westminster and abroad.
The head of the government legal department resigned, as did a Tory minister, and past Conservative prime ministers and leaders - including Brexiteer Michael Howard - have opposed the bill, while Brussels has started legal action.
Mr Johnson has said the measures are needed to ensure the free-flow of goods across the UK.


skynewspolitics--2020-11-14--Labour spokesman calls anti-vax content 'garbage' after demand for emergency social media law

Anti-vaccination content on social media is `` poison '' and `` garbage '' and should be `` stamped-out '' , Labour has said .
With hopes rising of a COVID-19 jab being rolled out by the end of the year , the opposition has called for emergency legislation to remove `` dangerous anti-vax content '' , such as posts against the use of vaccines .
The party wants the government to bring forward laws that would include financial and criminal penalties for companies that fail to act against such content .
Shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth told Sky News ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nonsense '' is being spread on social media by people who are against inoculations and it `` erodes trust '' in vaccines .
There is `` poison , garbage ( and ) conspiracy theories '' online and `` it 's all nonsense '' , he added .
Mr Ashworth said Labour wanted to work with the government to tackle the issue .
He is calling for `` strong public health messaging '' because people will have `` legitimate questions '' about vaccines .
Asked whether people should be forced to accept a jab @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He and shadow culture secretary Jo Stevens have written to Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden insisting that the `` spread of disinformation online presents a real and present danger '' to vaccination efforts .
Ms Stevens said : `` The government has a pitiful track record on taking action against online platforms that are facilitating the spread of disinformation .
`` It has been clear for years that this is a widespread and growing problem and the government knows , because Labour has been warning them for some time , that it poses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the vaccine .
`` This is literally a matter of life and death and anyone who is dissuaded from being vaccinated because of this is one person too many . ''
Labour insisted that government involvement with social media platforms , aimed at anti-vaccination content , did not go far enough .
The two shadow cabinet ministers said in their letter to the culture secretary : `` What we need is action now and - since these companies have been unable to take action themselves - we are calling on the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ financial and criminal penalties for continued failure to act .
`` Labour would give the government the votes it needs to get such a bill through the House of Commons . ''
`` We take this issue extremely seriously and have secured a major commitment from Facebook , Twitter and Google to tackle it by not profiting from such material , and by responding to flagged content more swiftly . ''

Anti-vaccination content on social media is "poison" and "garbage" and should be "stamped-out", Labour has said.
With hopes rising of a COVID-19 jab being rolled out by the end of the year, the opposition has called for emergency legislation to remove "dangerous anti-vax content", such as posts against the use of vaccines.
The party wants the government to bring forward laws that would include financial and criminal penalties for companies that fail to act against such content.
Shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth told Sky News' Sophy Ridge on Sunday that "dangerous nonsense" is being spread on social media by people who are against inoculations and it "erodes trust" in vaccines.
There is "poison, garbage (and) conspiracy theories" online and "it's all nonsense", he added.
Mr Ashworth said Labour wanted to work with the government to tackle the issue.
He is calling for "strong public health messaging" because people will have "legitimate questions" about vaccines.
Asked whether people should be forced to accept a jab, Mr Ashworth said "no".
He and shadow culture secretary Jo Stevens have written to Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden insisting that the "spread of disinformation online presents a real and present danger" to vaccination efforts.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:23 Politician battles wind, rain and falling lights
Ms Stevens said: "The government has a pitiful track record on taking action against online platforms that are facilitating the spread of disinformation.
"It has been clear for years that this is a widespread and growing problem and the government knows, because Labour has been warning them for some time, that it poses a real threat to the take up of the vaccine.
"This is literally a matter of life and death and anyone who is dissuaded from being vaccinated because of this is one person too many."
Labour insisted that government involvement with social media platforms, aimed at anti-vaccination content, did not go far enough.
The two shadow cabinet ministers said in their letter to the culture secretary: "What we need is action now and - since these companies have been unable to take action themselves - we are calling on the government to introduce emergency legislation which would include financial and criminal penalties for continued failure to act.
"Labour would give the government the votes it needs to get such a bill through the House of Commons."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:03 Prof Van-Tam says he would take COVID vaccine
A government spokesperson said: "Letting vaccine disinformation spread unchecked could cost British lives.
"We take this issue extremely seriously and have secured a major commitment from Facebook, Twitter and Google to tackle it by not profiting from such material, and by responding to flagged content more swiftly."


skynewspolitics--2020-11-16--PM triggers Scottish fury and clash with Sturgeon after 'branding devolution a disaster'

A row has erupted after Boris Johnson reportedly condemned devolution in Scotland , saying it had been `` a disaster north of the border '' .
The prime minister claimed it was Tony Blair 's `` biggest mistake '' and that while he previously thought it was a good idea , he could not `` see a case '' for handing down more powers to Holyrood , according to The Sun .
Downing Street did not deny the remarks were made at a virtual meeting with northern Tory MPs , and a Number 10 source stepped in to clarify them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ furious reaction outside Westminster .
Douglas Ross , the Scottish Conservatives leader , flatly disagreed with the assessment , tweeting : `` Devolution has not been a disaster .
`` The SNP 's non-stop obsession with another referendum - above jobs , schools and everything else - has been a disaster . ''
Nicola Sturgeon , Scotland 's first minister , is likely to use the comments as ammunition ahead of next year 's Holyrood election , where - if the SNP wins a majority - she will press for another independence referendum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these PM comments for the next time Tories say they 're not a threat to the powers of the Scottish Parliament - or , even more incredibly , that they support devolving more powers .
`` The only way to protect & strengthen the Scottish Parliament is with independence . ''
The timing of Mr Johnson 's comments are particularly sensitive because the UK government is trying to pass its controversial Internal Market Bill .
The draft legislation , which apart from planning to break international law by overriding the Brexit deal , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back some powers from Brussels following Brexit that the SNP say should be devolved .
Ian Murray , Labour 's shadow Scotland secretary , said : `` The Tories have always been a bigger threat to the UK than any nationalist .
Johnson with bells on . ''
Attempting to quell the backlash , a Number 10 source said Mr Johnson `` always supported devolution '' , but that Mr Blair , under whom the Scottish Parliament was set up , `` failed to foresee the rise of separatists '' .
`` Devolution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's used by separatists and nationalists to break up the UK , '' the source said .

A row has erupted after Boris Johnson reportedly condemned devolution in Scotland, saying it had been "a disaster north of the border".
The prime minister claimed it was Tony Blair's "biggest mistake" and that while he previously thought it was a good idea, he could not "see a case" for handing down more powers to Holyrood, according to The Sun.
Downing Street did not deny the remarks were made at a virtual meeting with northern Tory MPs, and a Number 10 source stepped in to clarify them.
But that did not stop a furious reaction outside Westminster.
Douglas Ross, the Scottish Conservatives leader, flatly disagreed with the assessment, tweeting: "Devolution has not been a disaster.
"The SNP's non-stop obsession with another referendum - above jobs, schools and everything else - has been a disaster."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:11 SNP accuses PM of 'constant attacks' on Scotland
Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland's first minister, is likely to use the comments as ammunition ahead of next year's Holyrood election, where - if the SNP wins a majority - she will press for another independence referendum.
Image: Nicola Sturgeon has used the remarks to push for independence
She tweeted: "Worth bookmarking these PM comments for the next time Tories say they're not a threat to the powers of the Scottish Parliament - or, even more incredibly, that they support devolving more powers.
"The only way to protect & strengthen the Scottish Parliament is with independence."
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The timing of Mr Johnson's comments are particularly sensitive because the UK government is trying to pass its controversial Internal Market Bill.
The draft legislation, which apart from planning to break international law by overriding the Brexit deal, has also sparked concern Westminster will take back some powers from Brussels following Brexit that the SNP say should be devolved.
Image: If the SNP win next year's election, they will likely push for another referendum
Ian Murray, Labour's shadow Scotland secretary, said: "The Tories have always been a bigger threat to the UK than any nationalist. Johnson with bells on."
Attempting to quell the backlash, a Number 10 source said Mr Johnson "always supported devolution", but that Mr Blair, under whom the Scottish Parliament was set up, "failed to foresee the rise of separatists".
"Devolution is great - but not when it's used by separatists and nationalists to break up the UK," the source said.
Cabinet minister Robert Jenrick told Sky News' Kay Burley that the prime minister "has always supported devolution" but is "at heart a unionist".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:44 SNP 'used devolution to drive a wedge' into UK
"He is very troubled by the rise of nationalism and separatism in the form of Nicola Sturgeon and the SNP," the housing secretary added.
"That, I think, is the comment he was making yesterday - that whilst in some parts of the UK devolution has enabled local people to have greater say over their own destinies, to make different and the right decisions for their own communities.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:13 Burnham: 'Worried' by PM's comments on devolution
"One of the downsides in Scotland has been that it's been misused by the SNP to drive a wedge between people who are ultimately part of the same country with hundreds of years of history, of friendship and partnership.
"And the PM is very concerned by that."
'I've never thought he cares about Scotland': PM's comments push voters towards independence
By Dan Whitehead, Sky News correspondent
"It's nothing to do with him - I've never thought he cared about Scotland," said workman Peter Anderson, as he dug up the pavement outside the Scottish parliament in Edinburgh on Tuesday.
"Boris does not live up here, we should govern ourselves. It'll fuel Nicola Sturgeon's fire.
"I'm a strong supporter of independence - I voted for it. It makes me angry. He judges things he doesn't understand.
"I've never thought he cares about Scotland. England and London is all he cares about."
Image: Peter Anderson spoke outside the Scottish parliament and (below) Kirsten Griew, who voted for Scotland to remain part of the UK
Kirsten Griew voted for Scotland to remain part of the UK, but said comments like those the prime minister was reported to have made caused her to think again: "Anytime you hear these comments it pushes me towards independence.
"I think the only thing Boris cares about is his own power and all his decision are made on that basis.
"I haven't supported independence - I voted against it last time but the way things have fermenting over the last few years it does push me closer."


skynewspolitics--2020-11-16--Ten other Tory MPs join Boris Johnson by self-isolating

Ten other Conservative MPs are self-isolating along with the prime minister after one of them tested positive for coronavirus .
Lee Anderson , the Ashfield MP , began to experience coronavirus symptoms on Friday and both he and his wife , who is in the shielded group , tested positive on Sunday morning .
On Thursday morning , Mr Anderson had attended a meeting with Boris Johnson in 10 Downing Street along with five other Tory MPs who are also now self-isolating .
They were Warrington South MP Andy Carter , Ribble South MP Katherine Fletcher , Bassetlaw MP Brendan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clarkson , and Great Grimsby MP Lia Nici .
Live updates on coronavirus from UK and around world All five , along with Mr Anderson , were among those Tory MPs elected to parliament for the first time at last year 's general election .
Two of the prime minister 's political aides were also in attendance and are self-isolating too .
Marco Longhi MP and Matt Vickers MP also announced that they were self-isolating on Monday after receiving a text from the NHS Test and Trace service .
It is not clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's meeting .
Mr Longhi shared a video on Monday of Mr Johnson announcing he had to self-isolate and wrote : `` I 'm afraid I had the same text , but will carry on working from home . ''
Mr Vickers tweeted : `` I have been contacted by NHS Track & Trace having come into contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19 .
`` I must self-isolate in line with the rules but will continue to work from home . ''
Jacob Young , the Redcar and Cleveland MP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are also self-isolating after being told on Sunday that they had recently been in contact with someone who tested positive .
On Wednesday afternoon , Mrs Miller was seated next to Mr Anderson in a House of Commons debate on Armistice Day .
Downing Street has insisted that social distancing measures were observed at the 35-minute meeting between the prime minister and the Tory MPs .
`` We take every possible step to ensure that hand sanitiser is made available to people as soon as they arrive at the building and it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through it , '' Mr Johnson 's official spokesman said on Monday .
`` But as I say , factors such as the length of the meeting meant that it was the advice of Test and Trace that the prime minister should self-isolate , and he of course will follow that instruction . ''
Asked about a photograph that appeared to show Mr Johnson and Mr Anderson standing less than two metres apart at the meeting , the spokesman said : `` They are stood side by side , rather than face to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the prime minister 's decision to hold the meeting in person rather than virtually , saying such meetings are allowed under the current coronavirus restrictions .
Mr Johnson , in a video posted to his Twitter account earlier on Monday , said he had been `` pinged '' by the NHS Test and Trace system .
`` It does n't matter that we were all doing social distancing , it does n't matter that I 'm fit as a butcher 's dog , feel great - so many people do in my circumstances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that I 've had the disease and I 'm bursting with antibodies , '' he added .
`` We 've got to interrupt the spread of the disease and one of the ways we can do that now is by self-isolating for 14 days when you get contacted by NHS Test and Trace . ''
The prime minister 's self-isolation has disturbed plans for a `` reset '' of his premiership , following the departure of his controversial chief adviser Dominic Cummings - as well as his director of communications Lee Cain - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to use the next couple of weeks to make a series of announcements - including on coronavirus , education , the economy and climate issues - that Number 10 said would be a clear signal of his ongoing ambitions for the country .
Number 10 stressed the prime minister intended to continue to speak to the country .
A House of Commons spokesperson : `` We closely follow Public Health England ( PHE ) guidance on action to take as and where there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 on the Estate .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ system run by the NHS which Parliament continues to support through the processes we have setup .
These processes allows us to respond quickly and effectively to any cases identified .
All relevant contacts are quickly contacted and advised to self-isolate . ''

Ten other Conservative MPs are self-isolating along with the prime minister after one of them tested positive for coronavirus.
Lee Anderson, the Ashfield MP, began to experience coronavirus symptoms on Friday and both he and his wife, who is in the shielded group, tested positive on Sunday morning.
On Thursday morning, Mr Anderson had attended a meeting with Boris Johnson in 10 Downing Street along with five other Tory MPs who are also now self-isolating.
They were Warrington South MP Andy Carter, Ribble South MP Katherine Fletcher, Bassetlaw MP Brendan Clarke-Smith, Heywood and Middleton MP Chris Clarkson, and Great Grimsby MP Lia Nici.
Live updates on coronavirus from UK and around world
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:20 Self-isolating PM to 'wallop' COVID 'into submission'
All five, along with Mr Anderson, were among those Tory MPs elected to parliament for the first time at last year's general election.
Two of the prime minister's political aides were also in attendance and are self-isolating too.
Marco Longhi MP and Matt Vickers MP also announced that they were self-isolating on Monday after receiving a text from the NHS Test and Trace service.
It is not clear if the two men were at Thursday's meeting.
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Mr Longhi shared a video on Monday of Mr Johnson announcing he had to self-isolate and wrote: "I'm afraid I had the same text, but will carry on working from home."
Mr Vickers tweeted: "I have been contacted by NHS Track & Trace having come into contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19.
"I must self-isolate in line with the rules but will continue to work from home."
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Jacob Young, the Redcar and Cleveland MP, and Basingstoke MP Maria Miller, are also self-isolating after being told on Sunday that they had recently been in contact with someone who tested positive.
On Wednesday afternoon, Mrs Miller was seated next to Mr Anderson in a House of Commons debate on Armistice Day.
Downing Street has insisted that social distancing measures were observed at the 35-minute meeting between the prime minister and the Tory MPs.
"We take every possible step to ensure that hand sanitiser is made available to people as soon as they arrive at the building and it is available throughout the building as you travel through it," Mr Johnson's official spokesman said on Monday.
"But as I say, factors such as the length of the meeting meant that it was the advice of Test and Trace that the prime minister should self-isolate, and he of course will follow that instruction."
Asked about a photograph that appeared to show Mr Johnson and Mr Anderson standing less than two metres apart at the meeting, the spokesman said: "They are stood side by side, rather than face to face."
The spokesman also defended the prime minister's decision to hold the meeting in person rather than virtually, saying such meetings are allowed under the current coronavirus restrictions.
Image: Maria Miller was seated next to Lee Anderson in a House of Commons debate
Mr Johnson, in a video posted to his Twitter account earlier on Monday, said he had been "pinged" by the NHS Test and Trace system.
"It doesn't matter that we were all doing social distancing, it doesn't matter that I'm fit as a butcher's dog, feel great - so many people do in my circumstances - and actually it doesn't matter that I've had the disease and I'm bursting with antibodies," he added.
"We've got to interrupt the spread of the disease and one of the ways we can do that now is by self-isolating for 14 days when you get contacted by NHS Test and Trace."
The prime minister's self-isolation has disturbed plans for a "reset" of his premiership, following the departure of his controversial chief adviser Dominic Cummings - as well as his director of communications Lee Cain - last week.
Mr Johnson had hoped to use the next couple of weeks to make a series of announcements - including on coronavirus, education, the economy and climate issues - that Number 10 said would be a clear signal of his ongoing ambitions for the country.
Number 10 stressed the prime minister intended to continue to speak to the country.
A House of Commons spokesperson: "We closely follow Public Health England (PHE) guidance on action to take as and where there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 on the Estate.
"There is one test and trace system run by the NHS which Parliament continues to support through the processes we have setup. These processes allows us to respond quickly and effectively to any cases identified. All relevant contacts are quickly contacted and advised to self-isolate."


skynewspolitics--2020-11-16--Why being stuck in quarantine has come at the worst possible time for Boris Johnson

The PM was going to announce his policy vision for a post-pandemic , post-Brexit and post-Cummings Britain , writes Sky 's Joe Pike .
Boris Johnson : Why being stuck in quarantine has come at the worst possible time for the prime minister Boris Johnson is currently self-isolating after meeting with a Tory MP who later tested positive for COVID-19 Boris Johnson has been forced to rethink his reset .
In the week the prime minister was planning to take charge of the news agenda - announcing his policy vision for a post-pandemic , post-Brexit and post-Cummings Britain - he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this comes at the high-pressure point in Brexit trade negotiations , when - according to Ireland 's foreign minister - a `` major breakthrough '' is needed .
Live COVID-19 updates from the UK and around the world Policy launches and face-to-face meetings with EU officials are now out of bounds for the next 10 days .
The PM is stuck in the flat above Number 11 Downing Street that he shares with his fiancé Carrie Symonds and youngest son Wilfred .
In a video message recorded last night and tweeted this morning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , perhaps the most upbeat we have seen him in weeks .
His core message seems to be that the rules apply to everybody : in clear contrast to the individual interpretations of Dominic Cummings .
Just because he is the prime minister , just because he has already had COVID-19 , and just because he claims to be `` as fit as a butcher 's dog '' , it does not mean he is exempt .
He is setting an example at a time government officials are privately concerned about compliance .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 35-minute meeting with backbench MPs last Thursday , but photos of the event appear to show attendees far closer than two metres .
If he had kept his distance , surely he would n't be forced into quarantine .
No 10 claim theirs is a COVID-secure workplace , but some who work there insist it is n't .
The fact the most powerful man in the country is n't better protected from these eventualities suggests a review may be necessary .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Sky News today he has `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be able to `` drive his agenda forward '' via Zoom .
That will surely push the concept of `` working from home '' to its limits .

The PM was going to announce his policy vision for a post-pandemic, post-Brexit and post-Cummings Britain, writes Sky's Joe Pike.
Boris Johnson: Why being stuck in quarantine has come at the worst possible time for the prime minister
Boris Johnson is currently self-isolating after meeting with a Tory MP who later tested positive for COVID-19
Boris Johnson has been forced to rethink his reset.
In the week the prime minister was planning to take charge of the news agenda - announcing his policy vision for a post-pandemic, post-Brexit and post-Cummings Britain - he's been locked down.
All of this comes at the high-pressure point in Brexit trade negotiations, when - according to Ireland's foreign minister - a "major breakthrough" is needed.
Live COVID-19 updates from the UK and around the world
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:20 Self-isolating PM to 'wallop' COVID 'into submission'
Policy launches and face-to-face meetings with EU officials are now out of bounds for the next 10 days.
The PM is stuck in the flat above Number 11 Downing Street that he shares with his fiancé Carrie Symonds and youngest son Wilfred.
In a video message recorded last night and tweeted this morning, the PM appears energetic and positive, perhaps the most upbeat we have seen him in weeks.
His core message seems to be that the rules apply to everybody: in clear contrast to the individual interpretations of Dominic Cummings.
Just because he is the prime minister, just because he has already had COVID-19, and just because he claims to be "as fit as a butcher's dog", it does not mean he is exempt.
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He is setting an example at a time government officials are privately concerned about compliance.
Mr Johnson claims he was social-distancing in the 35-minute meeting with backbench MPs last Thursday, but photos of the event appear to show attendees far closer than two metres.
If he had kept his distance, surely he wouldn't be forced into quarantine.
No 10 claim theirs is a COVID-secure workplace, but some who work there insist it isn't. The fact the most powerful man in the country isn't better protected from these eventualities suggests a review may be necessary.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Sky News today he has "no doubt" the prime minister will be able to "drive his agenda forward" via Zoom.
That will surely push the concept of "working from home" to its limits.


skynewspolitics--2020-11-15--Testing 'mega labs' among 'critical announcements' PM will make in wake of power struggle

Two new `` mega labs '' to turnaround 600,000 coronavirus tests a day are planned for next year , as Boris Johnson tries to draw a line under losing two key advisers .
The prime minister will make a `` series of critical announcements '' , Number 10 said , following the sudden departure of aides Dominic Cummings and Lee Cain .
And in a bid to shore up support from `` red wall '' Tory MPs , he will hold a meeting with the so-called Northern Research Group today to `` listen to their ideas '' and convey his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But the government is facing calls from Labour to spell out how a potential COVID-19 vaccine would be distributed , in what it says could be the largest logistical challenge since World War Two .
That will likely be high up Mr Johnson 's agenda , as his focus turns to how England will get through winter during the pandemic when the national lockdown ends on 2 December .
To keep driving up testing , the Department of Health has earmarked Leamington Spa and an unspecified location in Scotland as the site of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will process 300,000 tests a day each and open in early 2021 - staffed by around 2,000 people , boosting employment .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said : `` Transforming the UK 's diagnostic facilities is not only essential to beating this virus , but it is necessary to build back better - so we are better prepared in future for testing on a massive scale .
`` These mega labs are future-proofing our national infrastructure to respond to future epidemics and improving care for other diseases , such as cancer .
: @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' The new labs build on our existing testing network which we created in a matter of months and confirms the UK as a world leader in diagnostics . ''
A Number 10 spokesperson said the prime minister 's attention would also be focused on trade deal negotiations with the EU `` as we build back better from the coronavirus pandemic '' .
In a letter to the prime minister , Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said a clear delivery plan for the hoped-for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We are world leaders in vaccines , and I believe we should be aiming for a world class programme for rolling it out , '' he declared .
`` If we are to get it right , then we must have a clear plan in place now . ''
Sir Keir wants the government to explain who will be eligible for the vaccine and when , if it will turn town halls and sports centres into vaccine clinics to speed up the roll-out and how it will battle anti-vax misinformation and conspiracy @ @

Two new "mega labs" to turnaround 600,000 coronavirus tests a day are planned for next year, as Boris Johnson tries to draw a line under losing two key advisers.
The prime minister will make a "series of critical announcements", Number 10 said, following the sudden departure of aides Dominic Cummings and Lee Cain.
And in a bid to shore up support from "red wall" Tory MPs, he will hold a meeting with the so-called Northern Research Group today to "listen to their ideas" and convey his commitment to "levelling up".
Image: Dominic Cummings and Lee Cain left Downing Street for good last week
But the government is facing calls from Labour to spell out how a potential COVID-19 vaccine would be distributed, in what it says could be the largest logistical challenge since World War Two.
That will likely be high up Mr Johnson's agenda, as his focus turns to how England will get through winter during the pandemic when the national lockdown ends on 2 December.
Image: England's national lockdown ends on 2 December
To keep driving up testing, the Department of Health has earmarked Leamington Spa and an unspecified location in Scotland as the site of two "mega labs".
They will process 300,000 tests a day each and open in early 2021 - staffed by around 2,000 people, boosting employment.
Image: The PM will turn his attention to restrictions following the national lockdown
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: "Transforming the UK's diagnostic facilities is not only essential to beating this virus, but it is necessary to build back better - so we are better prepared in future for testing on a massive scale.
"These mega labs are future-proofing our national infrastructure to respond to future epidemics and improving care for other diseases, such as cancer.
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"The new labs build on our existing testing network which we created in a matter of months and confirms the UK as a world leader in diagnostics."
A Number 10 spokesperson said the prime minister's attention would also be focused on trade deal negotiations with the EU "as we build back better from the coronavirus pandemic".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:06 COVID-19 vaccine: Will it end the crisis?
In a letter to the prime minister, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said a clear delivery plan for the hoped-for vaccine must be set out soon.
"We are world leaders in vaccines, and I believe we should be aiming for a world class programme for rolling it out," he declared.
"If we are to get it right, then we must have a clear plan in place now."
Sir Keir wants the government to explain who will be eligible for the vaccine and when, if it will turn town halls and sports centres into vaccine clinics to speed up the roll-out and how it will battle anti-vax misinformation and conspiracy theories.


skynewspolitics--2020-11-16--'Candle of hope': Five million doses of Moderna vaccine ordered ready for rollout by spring

Five million doses of the Moderna coronavirus vaccine have been ordered by the UK , the health secretary has announced .
Matt Hancock said preliminary trials showing it to be 94.5 % effective were `` excellent news '' and that , if it proves safe , the jabs can start to be rolled out across the country by spring 2021 .
`` We can see the candle of hope , '' he declared , but cautioned that people must keep following COVID-19 restrictions .
The vaccine , which Moderna produced in collaboration with the US government 's `` Operation Warp @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it can be stored relatively easily .
It has been shown to last for up to 30 days in household fridges , at room temperature for up to 12 hours , and remains stable at -20C - equal to most household or medical freezers - for up to six months .
That would make storage and transportation of it more attractive than a Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine , which was last week announced to be 90 % effective at protecting people from coronavirus but needs to be stored at around -70C .
So far , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seven candidate vaccines - totalling more than 355 million doses .
Mr Hancock said Moderna 's progress was an `` encouraging step forward '' , though cautioned : `` This is preliminary , the safety data is limited and their production facilities are not yet at scale . ''
Addressing the nation from a Downing Street news conference , he added : `` Great advances of medical science are coming to the rescue .
`` While there is much uncertainty , we can see the candle of hope and we must do all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` But we 're not there yet ; until the science can make us safe we must remain vigilant and keep following the rules that we know can keep this virus under control . ''
Asked by Sky News if the government should have acted earlier to secure more doses from Moderna , Mr Hancock said he had ordered different types of vaccine from other companies already `` to make sure that we have a good spread '' .
The Moderna results were hailed by Prof Jonathan Van-Tam , England 's deputy chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 .
`` Do I feel more encouraged ? ''
he asked .
`` It 's brilliant news , absolutely brilliant .
It 's the second penalty now that 's also gone into the back of the net , so we 're starting to feel in a better position . ''
But on a more sombre note , Dr Susan Hopkins , the interim chief medical officer of Test and Trace , said that when England 's second national lockdown ends on 2 December , the rules could be tougher than they were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We will have to think about strengthening them in order to get us through the winter months until the vaccine is available for everyone , '' she said , adding : `` We see very little effect from Tier 1 . ''
Also confirmed by the government on Monday was the creation of two new `` megalabs '' to boost coronavirus daily testing by 300,000 a day each - due to be up and running early next year .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson was unable to announce them himself however because he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came into contact with a Tory MP at a meeting in Downing Street last week who later tested positive for COVID-19 .
Several other Conservative politicians , many of whom were at the same meeting , are also now isolating .

Five million doses of the Moderna coronavirus vaccine have been ordered by the UK, the health secretary has announced.
Matt Hancock said preliminary trials showing it to be 94.5% effective were "excellent news" and that, if it proves safe, the jabs can start to be rolled out across the country by spring 2021.
"We can see the candle of hope," he declared, but cautioned that people must keep following COVID-19 restrictions.
The vaccine, which Moderna produced in collaboration with the US government's "Operation Warp Speed", is particularly attractive given it can be stored relatively easily.
It has been shown to last for up to 30 days in household fridges, at room temperature for up to 12 hours, and remains stable at -20C - equal to most household or medical freezers - for up to six months.
Image: The Moderna vaccine is said to be 94.5% effective. File pic
That would make storage and transportation of it more attractive than a Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, which was last week announced to be 90% effective at protecting people from coronavirus but needs to be stored at around -70C.
So far, the UK government has secured access to seven candidate vaccines - totalling more than 355 million doses.
It's brilliant news, absolutely brilliant. It's the second penalty now - that's also gone into the back of the net.
Mr Hancock said Moderna's progress was an "encouraging step forward", though cautioned: "This is preliminary, the safety data is limited and their production facilities are not yet at scale."
Addressing the nation from a Downing Street news conference, he added: "Great advances of medical science are coming to the rescue.
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"While there is much uncertainty, we can see the candle of hope and we must do all we can to nurture its flame.
"But we're not there yet; until the science can make us safe we must remain vigilant and keep following the rules that we know can keep this virus under control."
Image: England's second national lockdown ends on 2 December
Asked by Sky News if the government should have acted earlier to secure more doses from Moderna, Mr Hancock said he had ordered different types of vaccine from other companies already "to make sure that we have a good spread".
The Moderna results were hailed by Prof Jonathan Van-Tam, England's deputy chief medical officer, also speaking from Number 10.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:08 Govt would not 'force people' to have COVID vaccine
"Do I feel more encouraged?" he asked.
"It's brilliant news, absolutely brilliant. It's the second penalty now that's also gone into the back of the net, so we're starting to feel in a better position."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:06 COVID-19 vaccine: Will it end the crisis?
But on a more sombre note, Dr Susan Hopkins, the interim chief medical officer of Test and Trace, said that when England's second national lockdown ends on 2 December, the rules could be tougher than they were when the country went into it.
"We will have to think about strengthening them in order to get us through the winter months until the vaccine is available for everyone," she said, adding: "We see very little effect from Tier 1."
Also confirmed by the government on Monday was the creation of two new "megalabs" to boost coronavirus daily testing by 300,000 a day each - due to be up and running early next year.
Image: Boris Johnson is isolating after meeting an MP with coronavirus. Pic: Facebook/Lee Anderson
Prime Minister Boris Johnson was unable to announce them himself however because he has gone into self-isolation, after he came into contact with a Tory MP at a meeting in Downing Street last week who later tested positive for COVID-19.
Several other Conservative politicians, many of whom were at the same meeting, are also now isolating.


skynewspolitics--2020-11-16--EU lawyers look into plans to rush through a post-Brexit trade deal - but pessimism is growing

The European Union is looking into plans to rush through a Brexit deal before the end of the year , even if talks drag on into December .
But senior figures have told Sky News they are `` increasingly pessimistic '' that a deal can be done .
In one scenario , which has been discussed at the highest levels , a deal would be given a new `` classification '' that , crucially , would remove the need to have it ratified by every European parliament .
Instead , it would only require the approval of EU leaders and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the European bloc has never set a deadline for talks to end and a senior Brussels source told me that `` we will never be the first ones to walk away from the table '' .
EU lawyers have been asked to look into laws around just how quickly a deal could be ratified in order to meet the 31 December deadline before the UK leaves .
The bloc had originally said that it would take around two months for a trade agreement to be signed off , but is now investigating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ At the heart of that is a plan to recategorise the trade agreement as an `` EU-only '' deal rather than a `` mixed agreement '' .
This would mean that it would no longer have to pass through parliaments and assemblies across Europe but would instead require just the assent of the European Council and the European Parliament .
The process would need the support of member states and may also require a so-called `` protocol declaration '' that states this is a one-off decision , rather than a precedent for future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way that this will work as a mixed agreement any more - there is no longer enough time , '' one senior source told me .
`` We spent years signing off deals with Canada and Japan and , here we are , faced with a much bigger deal and we have six weeks left .
We are , in diplomatic terms , in completely uncharted waters . ''
However , even if a timescale can be created that would suit both sides , there is growing pessimism within EU circles that an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blocks remain , with particular emphasis being placed upon the disagreements over `` level playing field '' requirements on regulating standards and competitive advantages , such as state aid .
These are seen as fundamental to both the UK and the European Union 's demands , with little indication that an agreement is within sight .
In fact , despite some warm words from both sides about progress , one well-placed source told me that `` the comments being made now are the same as the ones that were made in August '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the leaders of all 27 member states , will meet by video conference on Thursday .
In the absence of a deal , the provisional agenda does not include any mention of Brexit , but I understand that leaders are likely to take stock of negotiations and may release a statement about them .
One plan , presently being discussed by EU diplomats , would see the council state that its working assumption is now that an agreement would not be signed by the end of the year , and that European businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It would be an effort to focus attention onto one final push , '' said one source .
However , other voices within the council think leaders should remain distant from the talks at this crucial phase , and follow the guide of the EU 's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier .
One other challenge that would stand in the way of a future Brexit deal is the growing irritation of the European Parliament .
Members feel that they were marginalised during negotiations around the Withdrawal Agreement and insist they will not pass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In particular , members are adamant they will not approve any deal if the UK government 's Internal Market Bill remains in place .
Today , one senior figure from the parliament confirmed to me that promise `` has not changed one iota '' .

The European Union is looking into plans to rush through a Brexit deal before the end of the year, even if talks drag on into December.
But senior figures have told Sky News they are "increasingly pessimistic" that a deal can be done.
In one scenario, which has been discussed at the highest levels, a deal would be given a new "classification" that, crucially, would remove the need to have it ratified by every European parliament.
Instead, it would only require the approval of EU leaders and the European Parliament.
Unlike the UK, the European bloc has never set a deadline for talks to end and a senior Brussels source told me that "we will never be the first ones to walk away from the table".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:10 Lord Frost: 'Quite a lot to do' to secure Brexit deal
EU lawyers have been asked to look into laws around just how quickly a deal could be ratified in order to meet the 31 December deadline before the UK leaves.
The bloc had originally said that it would take around two months for a trade agreement to be signed off, but is now investigating ways of curtailing that period hugely.
At the heart of that is a plan to recategorise the trade agreement as an "EU-only" deal rather than a "mixed agreement".
This would mean that it would no longer have to pass through parliaments and assemblies across Europe but would instead require just the assent of the European Council and the European Parliament.
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The process would need the support of member states and may also require a so-called "protocol declaration" that states this is a one-off decision, rather than a precedent for future talks.
"There is simply no way that this will work as a mixed agreement any more - there is no longer enough time," one senior source told me.
"We spent years signing off deals with Canada and Japan and, here we are, faced with a much bigger deal and we have six weeks left. We are, in diplomatic terms, in completely uncharted waters."
Image: Some people in the European Council want leaders to follow the guide of the EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier
However, even if a timescale can be created that would suit both sides, there is growing pessimism within EU circles that an agreement can be reached.
Familiar stumbling blocks remain, with particular emphasis being placed upon the disagreements over "level playing field" requirements on regulating standards and competitive advantages, such as state aid.
These are seen as fundamental to both the UK and the European Union's demands, with little indication that an agreement is within sight.
In fact, despite some warm words from both sides about progress, one well-placed source told me that "the comments being made now are the same as the ones that were made in August".
The European Council, which includes the leaders of all 27 member states, will meet by video conference on Thursday.
In the absence of a deal, the provisional agenda does not include any mention of Brexit, but I understand that leaders are likely to take stock of negotiations and may release a statement about them.
One plan, presently being discussed by EU diplomats, would see the council state that its working assumption is now that an agreement would not be signed by the end of the year, and that European businesses should assume a no-deal Brexit.
"It would be an effort to focus attention onto one final push," said one source.
However, other voices within the council think leaders should remain distant from the talks at this crucial phase, and follow the guide of the EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:10 Minister defends Internal Market Bill
One other challenge that would stand in the way of a future Brexit deal is the growing irritation of the European Parliament.
Members feel that they were marginalised during negotiations around the Withdrawal Agreement and insist they will not pass a Brexit trade deal without proper scrutiny.
In particular, members are adamant they will not approve any deal if the UK government's Internal Market Bill remains in place.
Today, one senior figure from the parliament confirmed to me that promise "has not changed one iota".


skynewspolitics--2020-11-16--No-deal Brexit customs checks will be 'impossible', ports warn

Some British ports will find it `` impossible '' to carry out checks on fresh food and plant imports in the event of a no-deal Brexit , industry groups have warned parliament .
Ports around the UK face fundamental changes to customs arrangements in just 45 days ' time when the EU transition period ends on January 1 .
Deal or no deal , they will be required to implement sweeping changes to border checks after more than 40 years of European Union membership .
The impact will be more dramatic however if UK and EU negotiators , meeting in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reach a deal , with potentially disastrous consequences for smaller ports .
Appearing before the House of Lords EU goods sub-committee , the British Ports Association ( BPA ) said some will not be able to cope if customs consider all EU produce in the way that non-EU `` third country '' imports are currently treated .
The warning comes as Britain 's largest container port at Felixstowe was described as being `` in chaos '' , with shipments delayed and several ships being diverted elsewhere .
Port operators also raised concerns that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hauliers , intended to enable smooth border processes , will not be launched until a fortnight before Brexit day , and complained that getting information out of government had been `` agonising '' .
`` The things we have needed to know about , it has been agonising getting information out of government , '' Richard Ballantyne , chief executive of the BPA told peers .
`` The Animal and Plant Health Agency effectively set specifications about the amounts of checks goods coming in from outside the EU should be subject to .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ checks in a no-deal situation , as we may find ourselves in , effectively could be completely impossible for certain ports to accommodate with any practical , sensible approach .
`` It would put traders at a real disadvantage bringing their goods on certain routes if they know that a high percentage of those volumes need to be opened and inspected .
We have found that very challenging .
`` Remember a lot of our goods come in from places like Rotterdam , our salads and other fresh foods and meats .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those consignments is something we really need to think about .
`` This is all a consequence of our de-listing from the single market , effectively our goods are subject to the full frontier controls . ''
The government has offered two solutions to the requirement to carry out huge volumes of new documentary and physical checks on imports .
One is for ports to carry out checks on site , something many have no space to do .
The other is for goods to be transported direct to lorry parks that will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including a new facility at Sevington , near Ashford in Kent .
The second model relies on traders and hauliers to use a new software system , the Goods Vehicle Movement System , which is still in development and will not be launched until two weeks before the transition period ends .
Also questioned by the committee was Mark Dijk , external affairs manager at Rotterdam , the largest container port in the world .
Asked how it had been able to make preparations earlier than some of its UK counterparts , Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that whatever Brexit it is will be a hard Brexit . ''

Some British ports will find it "impossible" to carry out checks on fresh food and plant imports in the event of a no-deal Brexit, industry groups have warned parliament.
Ports around the UK face fundamental changes to customs arrangements in just 45 days' time when the EU transition period ends on January 1.
Deal or no deal, they will be required to implement sweeping changes to border checks after more than 40 years of European Union membership.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:52 UK rejects EU offer to intensify Brexit talks
The impact will be more dramatic however if UK and EU negotiators, meeting in Brussels this week, are unable to reach a deal, with potentially disastrous consequences for smaller ports.
Appearing before the House of Lords EU goods sub-committee, the British Ports Association (BPA) said some will not be able to cope if customs consider all EU produce in the way that non-EU "third country" imports are currently treated.
The warning comes as Britain's largest container port at Felixstowe was described as being "in chaos", with shipments delayed and several ships being diverted elsewhere.
Port operators also raised concerns that a key piece of government software for hauliers, intended to enable smooth border processes, will not be launched until a fortnight before Brexit day, and complained that getting information out of government had been "agonising".
"The things we have needed to know about, it has been agonising getting information out of government," Richard Ballantyne, chief executive of the BPA told peers.
"The Animal and Plant Health Agency effectively set specifications about the amounts of checks goods coming in from outside the EU should be subject to.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:15 Frictionless border 'crucial for the vaccine'
"Their regimes that mirror those third-country checks in a no-deal situation, as we may find ourselves in, effectively could be completely impossible for certain ports to accommodate with any practical, sensible approach.
"It would put traders at a real disadvantage bringing their goods on certain routes if they know that a high percentage of those volumes need to be opened and inspected. We have found that very challenging.
"Remember a lot of our goods come in from places like Rotterdam, our salads and other fresh foods and meats.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:10 Lord Frost: 'Quite a lot to do' to secure Brexit deal
"To stop those and inspect and open those consignments is something we really need to think about.
"This is all a consequence of our de-listing from the single market, effectively our goods are subject to the full frontier controls."
The government has offered two solutions to the requirement to carry out huge volumes of new documentary and physical checks on imports.
One is for ports to carry out checks on site, something many have no space to do.
Image: Rotterdam has been making preparations for a hard Brexit
The other is for goods to be transported direct to lorry parks that will be used as customs clearance centres, including a new facility at Sevington, near Ashford in Kent.
The second model relies on traders and hauliers to use a new software system, the Goods Vehicle Movement System, which is still in development and will not be launched until two weeks before the transition period ends.
Also questioned by the committee was Mark Dijk, external affairs manager at Rotterdam, the largest container port in Europe.
Asked how it had been able to make preparations earlier than some of its UK counterparts, Mr Dijk said: "We have always said that whatever Brexit it is will be a hard Brexit."


skynewspolitics--2020-11-15--Abbott apologises for joining event with Chinese human rights abuse denier

Diane Abbott has apologised for appearing at an event alongside a China human rights abuse denier .
The Labour MP , who was shadow home secretary under Jeremy Corbyn until April this year , spoke at a webinar where claims were made that any mistreatment of Uighur people were a `` fiction '' cooked up to try and start a `` racial war '' .
She did not challenge or address the allegations in her own remarks , but tweeted after the news emerged that she and Labour `` condemn the human rights violations '' and was sorry if her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Uighurs are an ethnic minority who live in China 's western Xinjiang province .
Sky News has spoken previously to families of those who have been `` disappeared '' , with those missing thought to have been sent for `` re-education '' in camps or thrown in prison .
Leaked documents revealed last November also showed how minorities are locked up to change their beliefs and language , and are graded according to how well they speak Mandarin , remember China 's communist ideology , and even stick to a list of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , though Beijing denies this .
Ms Abbott joined a panel titled `` uniting against racism and the new Cold War '' on Saturday , which featured a series of speakers who accused the US and other Western countries of unjustly ramping up tensions with China .
Among them was Li Jingjing , a Chinese journalist who hosts a shown on CGTN - an English-language Chinese state broadcaster .
She said people of all ethnicities in China live peacefully and disputed any claims of mistreatment against the Uighurs .
`` Until very recently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to create a regional conflict in China , like talking about the Uighur issues or Xinjiang or Tibet issues , '' she said .
`` Until recently , they started caring about a certain group of ethnic groups in China .
`` I notice there are some narratives that these people tend to push , basically saying 'those ethnic groups ' culture and language are being wiped out , their mosques or temples are being destroyed or those people are being used as forced labour ' .
`` And I think those people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't understand China or do n't bother to dig out in the Chinese world ... '' She added it was `` another lie '' by `` those people who try to create racial war in China '' .
Ms Abbott was invited to speak next , but the host remarked it `` looks like she 's still logging on '' , so gave her talk five minutes later , in which she said there was a `` very steep rise '' in Sinophobia .
`` I think this meeting is very important , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's very important that we fight racism in general and that we fight anti-Chinese racism , and that we make our leaders aware that we do n't want to fall back into the inward-looking xenophobic politics of Trump or his friend the prime minister of Britain . ''
When her appearance alongside Li Jingjing became public , Ms Abbott said she never meant to condone the other panellists ' comments .
`` Both I and the Labour Party condemn the human rights violations in Uighur , '' she tweeted .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sic ) event sent a different message .
I continue to campaign against racism and for human rights internationally . ''

Diane Abbott has apologised for appearing at an event alongside a China human rights abuse denier.
The Labour MP, who was shadow home secretary under Jeremy Corbyn until April this year, spoke at a webinar where claims were made that any mistreatment of Uighur people were a "fiction" cooked up to try and start a "racial war".
She did not challenge or address the allegations in her own remarks, but tweeted after the news emerged that she and Labour "condemn the human rights violations" and was sorry if her comments "sent a different message".
Image: Ms Abbott said she would campaign for human rights internationally
Uighurs are an ethnic minority who live in China's western Xinjiang province.
Sky News has spoken previously to families of those who have been "disappeared", with those missing thought to have been sent for "re-education" in camps or thrown in prison.
Leaked documents revealed last November also showed how minorities are locked up to change their beliefs and language, and are graded according to how well they speak Mandarin, remember China's communist ideology, and even stick to a list of rules on toilet breaks and bath times, though Beijing denies this.
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Image: The state media journalist said any wrongdoing was 'fiction'
Ms Abbott joined a panel titled "uniting against racism and the new Cold War" on Saturday, which featured a series of speakers who accused the US and other Western countries of unjustly ramping up tensions with China.
Among them was Li Jingjing, a Chinese journalist who hosts a shown on CGTN - an English-language Chinese state broadcaster.
She said people of all ethnicities in China live peacefully and disputed any claims of mistreatment against the Uighurs.
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Image: Leaked documents showed how minorities are locked up
"Until very recently, some government and some media trying to create a regional conflict in China, like talking about the Uighur issues or Xinjiang or Tibet issues," she said.
"Until recently, they started caring about a certain group of ethnic groups in China.
"I notice there are some narratives that these people tend to push, basically saying 'those ethnic groups' culture and language are being wiped out, their mosques or temples are being destroyed or those people are being used as forced labour'.
Image: China denies any human rights abuses
"And I think those people who are fabricating those fictions either don't understand China or don't bother to dig out in the Chinese world..."
She added it was "another lie" by "those people who try to create racial war in China".
Image: Uighurs are allegedly sent to re-education camps
Ms Abbott was invited to speak next, but the host remarked it "looks like she's still logging on", so gave her talk five minutes later, in which she said there was a "very steep rise" in Sinophobia.
Sinophobia refers to anti-Chinese sentiment.
"I think this meeting is very important," she said.
"I think it's very important that we fight racism in general and that we fight anti-Chinese racism, and that we make our leaders aware that we don't want to fall back into the inward-looking xenophobic politics of Trump or his friend the prime minister of Britain."
When her appearance alongside Li Jingjing became public, Ms Abbott said she never meant to condone the other panellists' comments.
"Both I and the Labour Party condemn the human rights violations in Uighur," she tweeted.
"I apologise if my involvement in Saturdays (sic) event sent a different message. I continue to campaign against racism and for human rights internationally."


skynewspolitics--2020-11-17--Foreign aid target 'could temporarily be cut to pay for COVID crisis'

The UK 's foreign aid spending target could temporarily be cut in order to help pay for the coronavirus crisis , it has emerged .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak is reported to be pushing for spending on foreign aid to be reduced from 0.7 % to 0.5 % of gross national income , as he prepares to deliver a spending review next week .
According to The Times , Mr Sunak has eyed the move as a way of saving billions of pounds for the public finances after the huge outlay to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic .
The UK is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of gross national income on foreign aid every year , under legislation passed during former prime minister David Cameron 's time in office .
However , the government is able to cite three reasons for not having met the yearly target , although it must say how it will reach the target in the following year .
Those reasons are any substantial change in gross national income ; the impact of meeting the target on taxation , public spending or borrowing ; and circumstances arising outside the UK .
A Whitehall spending watchdog @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus crisis at £210bn for the first six months of the pandemic .
Spending on foreign aid was set to be £15.8bn this year , but Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has already announced that figure would shrink due to the contraction in the UK economy from the coronavirus crisis .
On Monday , Boris Johnson 's official spokesman was reluctant to commit specifically to the 0.7 % target , but said the prime minister was `` committed to helping the world 's poorest people '' and wanted `` value for money for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recently as September , Mr Raab highlighted how the 0.7 % target was a Conservative Party manifesto commitment and is enshrined in law .
The Times reported Mr Johnson wanted any cut to foreign aid spending to be time-limited , with a return to the 0.7 % total by 2022 .
The prime minister has previously refused to rule out rewriting foreign aid legislation as a means of ensuring money is `` better spent '' , while he this year merged the international development department - which was in charge of spending foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Treasury said it did not comment on speculation ahead of upcoming fiscal events .
Preet Kaur Gill , Labour 's shadow international development secretary , said : `` During this pandemic the government have willingly handed over millions of pounds of UK taxpayers ' money to its friends yet they are now willing to turn their backs on the world 's poorest .
`` By rowing back on their own manifesto commitment to spend 0.7 % of GNI on aid , the government would reduce our ability to tackle global poverty and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a force for good in the world . ''

The UK's foreign aid spending target could temporarily be cut in order to help pay for the coronavirus crisis, it has emerged.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak is reported to be pushing for spending on foreign aid to be reduced from 0.7% to 0.5% of gross national income, as he prepares to deliver a spending review next week.
According to The Times, Mr Sunak has eyed the move as a way of saving billions of pounds for the public finances after the huge outlay to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Image: The UK is committed in law to spending 0.7% of gross national income on foreign aid
The UK is committed in law to spending 0.7% of gross national income on foreign aid every year, under legislation passed during former prime minister David Cameron's time in office.
However, the government is able to cite three reasons for not having met the yearly target, although it must say how it will reach the target in the following year.
Those reasons are any substantial change in gross national income; the impact of meeting the target on taxation, public spending or borrowing; and circumstances arising outside the UK.
A Whitehall spending watchdog has already put the cost of the coronavirus crisis at £210bn for the first six months of the pandemic.
Spending on foreign aid was set to be £15.8bn this year, but Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has already announced that figure would shrink due to the contraction in the UK economy from the coronavirus crisis.
On Monday, Boris Johnson's official spokesman was reluctant to commit specifically to the 0.7% target, but said the prime minister was "committed to helping the world's poorest people" and wanted "value for money for the UK taxpayer".
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However, as recently as September, Mr Raab highlighted how the 0.7% target was a Conservative Party manifesto commitment and is enshrined in law.
The Times reported Mr Johnson wanted any cut to foreign aid spending to be time-limited, with a return to the 0.7% total by 2022.
The prime minister has previously refused to rule out rewriting foreign aid legislation as a means of ensuring money is "better spent", while he this year merged the international development department - which was in charge of spending foreign aid - with the Foreign Office.
The Treasury said it did not comment on speculation ahead of upcoming fiscal events.
Preet Kaur Gill, Labour's shadow international development secretary, said: "During this pandemic the government have willingly handed over millions of pounds of UK taxpayers' money to its friends yet they are now willing to turn their backs on the world's poorest.
"By rowing back on their own manifesto commitment to spend 0.7% of GNI on aid, the government would reduce our ability to tackle global poverty and injustice and signal a retreat from Britain as a force for good in the world."


skynewspolitics--2020-11-17--Corbyn seeks to clarify antisemitism claim as he awaits Labour suspension verdict

Jeremy Corbyn has sought to clarify his previous claim that antisemitism allegations against Labour were `` dramatically overstated '' .
The former Labour leader was last month suspended from the party over his reaction to a damning report into how antisemitism complaints were handled under his leadership .
Many of his allies both within and outside Labour have called for him to be reinstated and a Labour disputes panel is set to consider Mr Corbyn 's case .
A source close to Mr Corbyn said Labour officials would meet to discuss his case on Tuesday afternoon .
But the Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ process , with a spokesperson saying they `` do n't provide a running commentary on individual cases '' .
At the time of the publication of the Equalities and Human Rights Commission report , Mr Corbyn claimed that `` the scale of the problem '' of Labour antisemitism allegations were `` dramatically overstated for political reasons by our opponents inside and outside the party , as well as by much of the media '' .
He also said he did not accept all of the EHRC report 's findings .
However , Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement he said had been provided to the party as a means to `` clear up any confusion about what I had meant '' .
In the statement , which he posted to his Facebook page on Tuesday , Mr Corbyn said : `` I regret the pain this issue has caused the Jewish community and would wish to do nothing that would exacerbate or prolong it .
`` To be clear , concerns about antisemitism are neither 'exaggerated ' nor 'overstated ' .
`` The point I wished to make was that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were and remain committed anti-racists deeply opposed to antisemitism .
`` I fully support Keir Starmer 's decision to accept all the EHRC recommendations in full and , in accordance with my own lifelong convictions , will do what I can to help the party move on , united against antisemitism which has been responsible for so many of history 's greatest crimes against humanity . ''
Mr Corbyn also thanked those who have offered him their support following his suspension from the party , adding : `` I hope this matter is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , his clarifying statement did not offer an apology for , or retraction of , his remarks on the day of the EHRC report 's publication .
The Islington North MP , who now sits as an independent politician in the House of Commons , has previously vowed to `` strongly contest the political intervention '' to suspend him from Labour .

Jeremy Corbyn has sought to clarify his previous claim that antisemitism allegations against Labour were "dramatically overstated".
The former Labour leader was last month suspended from the party over his reaction to a damning report into how antisemitism complaints were handled under his leadership.
Many of his allies both within and outside Labour have called for him to be reinstated and a Labour disputes panel is set to consider Mr Corbyn's case.
A source close to Mr Corbyn said Labour officials would meet to discuss his case on Tuesday afternoon.
But the Labour Party provided no timeframe over the disciplinary process, with a spokesperson saying they "don't provide a running commentary on individual cases".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:36 'I don't want a split in the Labour Party'
At the time of the publication of the Equalities and Human Rights Commission report, Mr Corbyn claimed that "the scale of the problem" of Labour antisemitism allegations were "dramatically overstated for political reasons by our opponents inside and outside the party, as well as by much of the media".
He also said he did not accept all of the EHRC report's findings.
However, Mr Corbyn has now made public a new statement he said had been provided to the party as a means to "clear up any confusion about what I had meant".
In the statement, which he posted to his Facebook page on Tuesday, Mr Corbyn said: "I regret the pain this issue has caused the Jewish community and would wish to do nothing that would exacerbate or prolong it.
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"To be clear, concerns about antisemitism are neither 'exaggerated' nor 'overstated'.
"The point I wished to make was that the vast majority of Labour Party members were and remain committed anti-racists deeply opposed to antisemitism.
"I fully support Keir Starmer's decision to accept all the EHRC recommendations in full and, in accordance with my own lifelong convictions, will do what I can to help the party move on, united against antisemitism which has been responsible for so many of history's greatest crimes against humanity."
Mr Corbyn also thanked those who have offered him their support following his suspension from the party, adding: "I hope this matter is resolved as quickly as possible."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:24 Corbyn responds to Labour suspension
However, his clarifying statement did not offer an apology for, or retraction of, his remarks on the day of the EHRC report's publication.
The Islington North MP, who now sits as an independent politician in the House of Commons, has previously vowed to "strongly contest the political intervention" to suspend him from Labour.


skynewspolitics--2020-11-17--Corbyn to have Labour suspension lifted over antisemitism investigation response

Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn will be readmitted to the party following a row over antisemitism complaints , Sky News understands .
The Islington MP was suspended several weeks ago for his response to a report by the Equalities and Human Rights Commission .
It found after a lengthy investigation that Labour had been responsible for `` unlawful acts of harassment and discrimination '' .
In response , Mr Corbyn claimed `` the scale of the problem '' was `` dramatically overstated for political reasons by our opponents inside and outside the party , as well as by much of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he was suspended pending an investigation - a decision his successor Sir Keir Starmer said he had no involvement in but supported .
On Tuesday , a five-member disciplinary panel from Labour 's National Executive Committee met and decided Mr Corbyn should be reinstated .
Afterwards , he tweeted : `` I am pleased to have been reinstated in the Labour Party and would like to thank party members , trade unionists and all who have offered solidarity .
`` Our movement must now come together to oppose and defeat this deeply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Keir said it was a `` painful day for the Jewish community '' and the decision had caused `` hurt '' and `` trauma '' .
`` I will not allow a focus on one individual to prevent us from doing the vital work of tackling antisemitism , '' he tweeted .
`` I stand by the commitments I made last month to accept the findings and the recommendations of the EHRC 's report in full .
`` That must mean establishing an independent complaints process as soon as possible in the New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sparked fury from the Jewish Labour Movement , which said it was `` extraordinary '' .
A spokesperson said the party appeared to have `` expedited '' Mr Corbyn 's case and that the committee set up to rule on his future was `` factionally aligned '' in support of him .
`` Once again we find ourselves having to remind the Labour Party that Jeremy Corbyn is not the victim of Labour antisemitism - Jewish members are , '' they added .
A group of Labour MPs have warned Sir Keir they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ represents Labour in parliament again .
They are said to be furious and feel the decision to lift his suspension will undermine work done to rebuild bridges with the Jewish community .
Sir Keir has also been accused of `` failing to stand up for British Jews '' by Conservative Party chair Amanda Milling .
`` He is sending a message that the shameful antisemitism of recent years should be allowed to continue , '' she said .
Earlier , Mr Corbyn had tried to `` clear up any confusion about what I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boost his chances of being readmitted to Labour .
He explained in a statement : `` To be clear , concerns about antisemitism are neither 'exaggerated ' nor 'overstated ' .
`` The point I wished to make was that the vast majority of Labour Party members were and remain committed anti-racists deeply opposed to antisemitism . ''
Several of Mr Corbyn 's left-wing allies who served in his shadow cabinet have been calling for his reinstatement , including Diane Abbott and John McDonnell .
Analysis : Starmer 's 'under new leadership ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , chief political correspondent Sir Keir Starmer and many other Labour MPs will be furious at this decision .
It is less than three weeks since the former leader was suspended for his defiant stand against the EHRC report that damned the party over antisemitism .
The panel 's controversial decision today makes Mr Corbyn 's suspension look like a feeble slap on the wrist .
Besides anger at the decision itself , there will be fury that the readmission has happened so quickly .
Sir Keir has been boasting that Labour is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
That claim looks hollow now .
Many despondent Labour MPs will be despairing that nothing has changed .
While Mr Corbyn 's left-wing allies , who have campaigned vigorously for his reinstatement , will publicly claim justice has been done , privately they will be laughing in his face .
Mr Corbyn 's apparent climbdown , just hours before the panel met , was condemned by Jewish groups as `` a pathetic non-apology '' and `` a desperate attempt to have his suspension lifted '' .
But the decision will unleash an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ once again .
And Labour MPs will be distraught that just as the Tories were ripping each other apart over the Dominic Cummings/Lee Cain/Carrie Symonds soap opera , their party has shot itself in the foot over antisemitism again .

Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn will be readmitted to the party following a row over antisemitism complaints.
The Islington MP was suspended several weeks ago for his response to a report by the Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC).
It found after a lengthy investigation that Labour had been responsible for "unlawful acts of harassment and discrimination".
In response, Mr Corbyn claimed "the scale of the problem" was "dramatically overstated for political reasons by our opponents inside and outside the party, as well as by much of the media".
But within hours, he was suspended pending an investigation - a decision his successor Sir Keir Starmer said he had no involvement in but supported.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:36 'I don't want a split in the Labour Party'
On Tuesday, a five-member disciplinary panel from Labour's National Executive Committee met and decided Mr Corbyn should be reinstated.
Afterwards, he tweeted: "I am pleased to have been reinstated in the Labour Party and would like to thank party members, trade unionists and all who have offered solidarity.
"Our movement must now come together to oppose and defeat this deeply damaging Conservative government."
Image: Sir Keir said the decision had caused 'hurt'
But Sir Keir said it was a "painful day for the Jewish community" and the decision had caused "hurt" and "trauma".
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"I will not allow a focus on one individual to prevent us from doing the vital work of tackling antisemitism," he tweeted.
"I stand by the commitments I made last month to accept the findings and the recommendations of the EHRC's report in full.
"That must mean establishing an independent complaints process as soon as possible in the New Year."
Image: The new Labour leader promised a new complaints process from 2021
The panel's decision sparked fury from the Jewish Labour Movement, which said it was "extraordinary".
A spokesperson said the party appeared to have "expedited" Mr Corbyn's case and that the committee set up to rule on his future was "factionally aligned" in support of him.
"Once again we find ourselves having to remind the Labour Party that Jeremy Corbyn is not the victim of Labour antisemitism - Jewish members are," they added.
Image: An investigation found Labour under Mr Corbyn broke the law
A group of Labour MPs have warned Sir Keir they may resign the whip if Mr Corbyn represents Labour in parliament again.
They are said to be furious and feel the decision to lift his suspension will undermine work done to rebuild bridges with the Jewish community.
Sir Keir has also been accused of "failing to stand up for British Jews" by Conservative Party chair Amanda Milling.
"He is sending a message that the shameful antisemitism of recent years should be allowed to continue," she said.
Earlier, Mr Corbyn had tried to "clear up any confusion about what I had meant" in a bid to boost his chances of being readmitted to Labour.
He explained in a statement: "To be clear, concerns about antisemitism are neither 'exaggerated' nor 'overstated'.
"The point I wished to make was that the vast majority of Labour Party members were and remain committed anti-racists deeply opposed to antisemitism."
Several of Mr Corbyn's left-wing allies who served in his shadow cabinet have been calling for his reinstatement, including Diane Abbott and John McDonnell.
Analysis: Starmer's 'under new leadership' claim looks hollow now
By Jon Craig, chief political correspondent
Image: Sir Keir has tried to put a firm distance between him and his predecessor
Sir Keir Starmer and many other Labour MPs will be furious at this decision.
It is less than three weeks since the former leader was suspended for his defiant stand against the EHRC report that damned the party over antisemitism.
The panel's controversial decision today makes Mr Corbyn's suspension look like a feeble slap on the wrist.
Besides anger at the decision itself, there will be fury that the readmission has happened so quickly.
Sir Keir has been boasting that Labour is "under new leadership". Really? That claim looks hollow now. Many despondent Labour MPs will be despairing that nothing has changed.
While Mr Corbyn's left-wing allies, who have campaigned vigorously for his reinstatement, will publicly claim justice has been done, privately they will be laughing in his face.
Mr Corbyn's apparent climbdown, just hours before the panel met, was condemned by Jewish groups as "a pathetic non-apology" and "a desperate attempt to have his suspension lifted".
Well, it worked.
But the decision will unleash an almighty row in the party over antisemitism once again.
And Labour MPs will be distraught that just as the Tories were ripping each other apart over the Dominic Cummings/Lee Cain/Carrie Symonds soap opera, their party has shot itself in the foot over antisemitism again.