skynewspolitics--2020-01-19--Jess Phillips urges men to 'pass the mic' on Labour leadership

Labour leadership challenger Jess Phillips has urged men to `` pass the mic '' on the top job arguing it would be `` embarrassing '' if Labour failed to elect a woman .
The prominent backbencher warned it would `` look bad '' and also hand `` ammunition '' to political opponents , who were `` laughing at us '' .
Unlike the Conservatives , Labour has never had a female leader .
Of the five candidates running to succeed Jeremy Corbyn in the wake of the party 's disastrous election results , four are women , with shadow Brexit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the only man .
Asked how it would look if Labour again elected a man as leader , Ms Phillips told Sky News ' Sophy Ridge on Sunday programme that it would be `` true to form '' .
She said : `` The Labour Party has a blind spot in this regard , it always has .
`` It 's genuinely frustrating because ... it does a disservice to the Labour Party 's record on women but I think it would look bad .
`` I think it will be embarrassing and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grist to the mill and ammunition to our other side .
I have had Tory members of parliament laughing at us after the last time .
`` It 's not great if we ca n't ever seem to think that the women are good enough .
When you 're a woman in politics you 're always the next time - oh it 'll be your turn next time . ''
: : Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker She added : `` I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's representation , sometimes ... passing the mic is the greatest way to show that you truly believe in something but I think it is a very , very difficult argument to say you should stand back if you truly believe you are the best person for the job . ''
Ms Phillips also rejected the suggestion she was an `` uber Remainer '' , having campaigned for s second referendum , and said there was no bid to rejoin the EU .
However , she said it was not an `` honest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or alliances .
The MP for Birmingham Yardley was recently forced to backtrack after she indicated she might try to take Britain back into the bloc if Brexit turned out to be damaging .
Speaking to Ridge , she said : `` We 've got into this position where people disagree on individual issues as if you ca n't then be trusted on anything else .
It 's a really dangerous culture .
`` People are okay if you are clear and you are honest about what you think and then they will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so I 'm not an uber Remainer , I do n't feel the need to represent myself as an uber Remainer , I am a politician who will do what I think is right . ''
Asked about any future move to rejoin the Brussels club , she said : `` We are leaving the European Union and I do n't even think amongst people who voted Remain in the original referendum , that there is any appetite to carry on having a constitutional conversation when we should be talking about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` So there is no plan to have some sort of campaign to re-join the European Union but any prime minister who would n't look at the merits of every single alliance that our country could have for our safety , security , peace and economic viability , with a reasoned head on , anyone who closes off any option in the future , I just do n't believe that that 's an honest position . ''
Meanwhile , Mick Whelan , general secretary of the Aslef trade union , told Ridge his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Labour Party leadership contenders over the coming days before deciding which candidate to support .
He said : `` This process only delivers the candidates , the 550,000 members with one-person , one-vote will then decide which candidate they want and it 's the same as my organisation .
`` We will make recommendations , but ( union members ) will ultimately decide the nomination of Aslef to that process , it wo n't be Mick Whelan . ''
Conservative Party chairman James Cleverly declined to give Ridge his opinion on the Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` My only piece of advice for whoever does get it is if they want any chance of being successful they need to do what the Conservatives did at this election and listen to people . ''
Also appearing on Ridge , Labour deputy leadership contender Rosena Allin-Khan insisted being a London Remain-supporting MP did not hamper her broader appeal .
She said : `` I grew up in poverty .
I know what hunger feels like .
I know what being cold feels like .
My lived experiences will enable me to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It does n't matter that I 'm from London . ''

Labour leadership challenger Jess Phillips has urged men to "pass the mic" on the top job arguing it would be "embarrassing" if Labour failed to elect a woman.
The prominent backbencher warned it would "look bad" and also hand "ammunition" to political opponents, who were "laughing at us".
Unlike the Conservatives, Labour has never had a female leader.
Of the five candidates running to succeed Jeremy Corbyn in the wake of the party's disastrous election results, four are women, with shadow Brexit secretary and early front-runner Sir Keir Starmer the only man.
Asked how it would look if Labour again elected a man as leader, Ms Phillips told Sky News' Sophy Ridge on Sunday programme that it would be "true to form".
She said: "The Labour Party has a blind spot in this regard, it always has.
"It's genuinely frustrating because... it does a disservice to the Labour Party's record on women but I think it would look bad.
"I think it will be embarrassing and what's more, it gives absolute grist to the mill and ammunition to our other side. I have had Tory members of parliament laughing at us after the last time.
"It's not great if we can't ever seem to think that the women are good enough. When you're a woman in politics you're always the next time - oh it'll be your turn next time."
Advertisement
:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
She added: "I think that if you truly believe in women's representation, sometimes... passing the mic is the greatest way to show that you truly believe in something but I think it is a very, very difficult argument to say you should stand back if you truly believe you are the best person for the job."
Ms Phillips also rejected the suggestion she was an "uber Remainer", having campaigned for a second referendum, and said there was no bid to rejoin the EU.
However, she said it was not an "honest position" to close off future options or alliances.
The MP for Birmingham Yardley was recently forced to backtrack after she indicated she might try to take Britain back into the bloc if Brexit turned out to be damaging.
Speaking to Ridge, she said: "We've got into this position where people disagree on individual issues as if you can't then be trusted on anything else. It's a really dangerous culture.
"People are okay if you are clear and you are honest about what you think and then they will give you a hearing on other issues, so I'm not an uber Remainer, I don't feel the need to represent myself as an uber Remainer, I am a politician who will do what I think is right."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:27 Candidates make their case for Labour leadership
Asked about any future move to rejoin the Brussels club, she said: "We are leaving the European Union and I don't even think amongst people who voted Remain in the original referendum, that there is any appetite to carry on having a constitutional conversation when we should be talking about the things that people actually talk about.
"So there is no plan to have some sort of campaign to re-join the European Union but any prime minister who wouldn't look at the merits of every single alliance that our country could have for our safety, security, peace and economic viability, with a reasoned head on, anyone who closes off any option in the future, I just don't believe that that's an honest position."
Meanwhile, Mick Whelan, general secretary of the Aslef trade union, told Ridge his union representatives would be meeting with the Labour Party leadership contenders over the coming days before deciding which candidate to support.
He said: "This process only delivers the candidates, the 550,000 members with one-person, one-vote will then decide which candidate they want and it's the same as my organisation.
"We will make recommendations, but (union members) will ultimately decide the nomination of Aslef to that process, it won't be Mick Whelan."
Conservative Party chairman James Cleverly declined to give Ridge his opinion on the Labour leadership race.
But he added: "My only piece of advice for whoever does get it is if they want any chance of being successful they need to do what the Conservatives did at this election and listen to people."
Also appearing on Ridge, Labour deputy leadership contender Rosena Allin-Khan insisted being a London Remain-supporting MP did not hamper her broader appeal.
She said: "I grew up in poverty. I know what hunger feels like. I know what being cold feels like. My lived experiences will enable me to connect with voters around the country. It doesn't matter that I'm from London."


skynewspolitics--2020-01-19--House of Lords could be relocated to burst Westminster bubble

House of Lords could leave London for the north to connect people with politics House of Lords could leave London for the north to connect people with politics The State Opening of Parliament in the House of Lords , which could be moving out of London The House of Lords could leave London and move north as Boris Johnson considers plans to burst the Westminster bubble .
York and Birmingham are the two cities being considered as the new location as part of a constitutional overhaul to be launched this spring , that could also see the House of Commons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ James Cleverly confirmed the prime minister is serious about moving political power from London to regions where the Conservatives made gains at the election .
He told Sky 's Sophy Ridge ministers are looking at `` a whole range of options about making sure every part of the UK feels properly connected from politics .
The Sunday Times first reported the Lords plan , and that MPs will holding days of debate away from the capital .
Mr Cleverly added : `` When the PM stood up the day after the election and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people 's government he meant it .
That meant connecting people with government and politics .
`` The referendum in 2016 was n't just about our relationship with the EU , it was about millions of people and their relationship with politics as a whole '' .
He sounded less confident , though , when pressed to say if the move was certain to go ahead , saying it `` might '' , calling it `` one of a range of things that we are looking into '' which demonstrate the government is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' York is reportedly is the most likely venue for a relocated upper chamber as an area of disused government-owned land has already been identified .
Peers are moving anyway , in 2025 , for six years as part of a planned £3.5 billion restoration of the Houses of Parliament .
They are currently scheduled to meet in the Queen Elizabeth II Centre , a few minutes ' walk away , but Mr Johnson wants to use that as an opportunity to `` a purpose-built site further north , '' the paper says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between London and York is considered acceptable , questions will raised about other cost implications , not least for construction and security .
One cost that could be reduced , however , is the daily £300 attendance fee , with peers thought to be less likely to simply `` drop in '' to collect the cash without staying to contribute to debates if it involves a lengthy journey to get there .

The House of Lords could leave London and move north as Boris Johnson considers plans to burst the Westminster bubble.
York and Birmingham are the two cities being considered as the new location as part of a constitutional overhaul to be launched this spring, that could also see the House of Commons go on tour.
Tory Party Chairman James Cleverly confirmed the prime minister is serious about moving political power from London to regions where the Conservatives made gains at the election.
He told Sky's Sophy Ridge ministers are looking at "a whole range of options about making sure every part of the UK feels properly connected from politics.
Image: Ministers are looking at 'a whole range of options' to connect people with politics
The Sunday Times first reported the Lords plan, and that MPs will be holding days of debate away from the capital.
Mr Cleverly added: "When the PM stood up the day after the election and said this is going to be the people's government he meant it. That meant connecting people with government and politics.
"The referendum in 2016 wasn't just about our relationship with the EU, it was about millions of people and their relationship with politics as a whole".
Image: The State Opening of Parliament in the House of Lords, which could be moving out of London
He sounded less confident, though, when pressed to say if the move was certain to go ahead, saying it "might", calling it "one of a range of things that we are looking into" which demonstrate the government is "going to do things differently."
York is reportedly the most likely venue for a relocated upper chamber as an area of disused government-owned land has already been identified.
Advertisement
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:43 Labour leadership candidate Rebecca Long-Bailey says she would abolish the House of Lords
Peers are moving anyway, in 2025, for six years as part of a planned £3.5bn restoration of the Houses of Parliament.
They are currently scheduled to meet in the Queen Elizabeth II Centre, a few minutes' walk away, but Mr Johnson wants to use that as an opportunity to switch to "a purpose-built site further north," the paper says.
Listen to "The politics of the Flybe rescue deal" on Spreaker. :: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker :: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
While the three-hour train journey time between London and York is considered acceptable, questions will be raised about other cost implications, not least for construction and security.
One cost that could be reduced, however, is the daily £305 attendance fee, with peers thought to be less likely to simply "drop in" to collect the cash without staying to contribute to debates if it involves a lengthy journey to get there.
But responding to the proposal, one Tory peer said: "I think it's gesture politics. Wouldn't work because of costs of servicing with civil servants etc mostly in London but often in York."


skynewspolitics--2020-01-19--John Bercow 'nominated for peerage by Labour'

Former Commons speaker John Bercow is poised to join the House of Lords after being put forward for a peerage by Labour , it has been claimed .
The move will raise eyebrows at Westminster as Mr Bercow had been a Tory MP prior to taking up the role of parliamentary referee .
Labour has declined to comment , but has not denied the reports .
Mr Bercow was a controversial figure in the office , facing accusations by Brexiteers of favouring Remain supporting MPs during the stormy debates over leaving the EU .
The Tory leadership was said to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it broke with the tradition of offering a retiring speaker a place on the red benches .
Tory party Chairman James Cleverly refused to be drawn on the report in The Sunday Times when pressed on Sky News ' Sophy Ridge on Sunday programme .
He said : `` I 'm going to fall back on convention here and by convention we do n't discuss the peerages and nominations before the event . ''
As well as Mr Bercow , Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is said to have nominated his former deputy Tom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fractious working relationship , to the unelected chamber The outgoing party chief , who will step down in April after Labour 's disastrous election defeat , has also sparked fresh controversy over reportedly putting forward his key aide Karie Murphy for a peerage .
His chief of staff has been criticised over the handling of allegations of antisemitism in the Labour Party , which is being investigated by the Equality and Human Rights Commission ( EHRC ) .
The Jewish Labour Movement tweeted a statement saying Ms Murphy 's nomination was `` deeply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Jeremy Corbyn is using his final weeks in office to reward failure , '' the group added .
The campaign group Hope Not Hate said in a tweet : `` No one who is a subject in the EHRC investigation should be ennobled before the full EHRC report is released . ''
: : Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Labour deputy leadership candidate Rosena Allin-Khan has also expressed concern about Ms Murphy 's nomination .
Ms Allin-Khan told Ridge : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EHRC and I made clear yesterday that as deputy leader I would take on board every single recommendation from the EHRC regarding allegations of antisemitism .
`` Hope Not Hate said that anyone who was being investigated by the EHRC should n't be recommended for a peerage , so I do think that does need to be taken seriously . ''
Tony Blair 's ex-spin doctor Alastair Campbell , who was kicked out of Labour for voting Liberal Democrat in last year 's EU elections , branded it `` hypocritical and a reward @ @ @ @

Former Commons speaker John Bercow is poised to join the House of Lords after being put forward for a peerage by Labour, it has been claimed.
The move will raise eyebrows at Westminster as Mr Bercow had been a Tory MP prior to taking up the role of parliamentary referee.
Labour has declined to comment, but has not denied the reports.
Image: Tom Watson's name is also said to have been put forward by the Labour leader
Mr Bercow was a controversial figure in the office, facing accusations by Brexiteers of favouring Remain supporting MPs during the stormy debates over leaving the EU.
The Tory leadership was said to be so irritated by his behaviour that it broke with the tradition of offering a retiring speaker a place on the red benches.
Image: Jeremy Corbyn has sparked fresh controversy over reportedly nominating aide Karie Murphy
Tory party Chairman James Cleverly refused to be drawn on the report in The Sunday Times when pressed on Sky News' Sophy Ridge on Sunday programme.
He said: "I'm going to fall back on convention here and by convention we don't discuss the peerages and nominations before the event."
But Mr Cleverly added: "He's a very experienced politician."
As well as Mr Bercow, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is said to have nominated his former deputy Tom Watson, with whom he had a fractious working relationship, to the unelected chamber
Advertisement
The outgoing party chief, who will step down in April after Labour's disastrous election defeat, has also sparked fresh controversy over reportedly putting forward his key aide Karie Murphy for a peerage.
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
His chief of staff has been criticised over the handling of allegations of antisemitism in the Labour Party, which is being investigated by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC).
The Jewish Labour Movement tweeted a statement saying Ms Murphy's nomination was "deeply inappropriate and must be rescinded immediately".
"Jeremy Corbyn is using his final weeks in office to reward failure," the group added.
The campaign group Hope Not Hate said in a tweet: "No one who is a subject in the EHRC investigation should be ennobled before the full EHRC report is released."
:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Labour deputy leadership candidate Rosena Allin-Khan has also expressed concern about Ms Murphy's nomination.
Ms Allin-Khan told Ridge: "She is currently being investigated by the EHRC and I made clear yesterday that as deputy leader I would take on board every single recommendation from the EHRC regarding allegations of antisemitism.
"Hope Not Hate said that anyone who was being investigated by the EHRC shouldn't be recommended for a peerage, so I do think that does need to be taken seriously."
Tony Blair's ex-spin doctor Alastair Campbell, who was kicked out of Labour for voting Liberal Democrat in last year's EU elections, branded it "hypocritical and a reward for failure".


skynewspolitics--2020-01-19--PM: UK experts could be sent to Libya to monitor ceasefire

Libya civil war : UK experts could be sent to monitor proposed ceasefire , says PM Libya civil war : UK experts could be sent to monitor proposed ceasefire , says PM Forces loyal to the internationally-recognised Libyan government in a firefight with eastern rivals in Tripoli British experts could be sent to Libya as part of a possible international force to monitor a proposed permanent ceasefire .
It comes as Boris Johnson was among world leaders attending a peace summit in Berlin , which included all parties in the civil war and was aimed at stopping foreign influence in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` If there is a ceasefire , yes , of course there 's a case for us doing what we do very well , which is sending experts to monitor the ceasefire . ''
It is understood they would be experts from the UK 's Foreign Office .
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has said countries with interests in the conflict , which has evolved into a proxy war , have agreed they should respect a much-violated arms embargo .
The nations also agreed to not provide any more military support to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full ceasefire .
The conflict has been raging since dictator , Colonel Muammar Gaddafi , was overthrown by NATO-backed rebels in 2011 .
For more than five years , the oil-rich north African nation has had two rival governments - one in the east and the other in the west , with streets controlled by armed groups .
The internationally-recognised Government of National Accord ( GNA ) - led by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj , based in Tripoli in the west and backed by Turkish troops - is fighting forces loyal to eastern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ self-styled Libyan National Army ( LNA ) is advancing on the capital with the backing of Egypt , the United Arab Emirates , Russian mercenaries and African troops .
Up to 2,000 fighters from Syria 's civil war have joined the battle , reportedly against Gen Haftar 's men .
The Berlin summit was hosted by Germany and the United Nations .
Gen Haftar quit a Turkish-Russian summit a week ago and escalated the conflict on Friday when eastern oil ports were shut down .
Libya 's National Oil Corporation ( NOC ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and deals with all parties in the conflict , claimed the shutdown was directly ordered by Gen Haftar 's forces and would cut oil production by 800,000 barrels a day .
Any lasting closure could hit Tripoli hard since the government relies on oil revenues to fund its budget .

British experts could be sent to Libya as part of a possible international force to monitor a proposed permanent ceasefire.
It comes as Boris Johnson was among world leaders attending a peace summit in Berlin, which included all parties in the civil war and was aimed at stopping foreign influence in the conflict.
The prime minister said: "If there is a ceasefire, yes, of course there's a case for us doing what we do very well, which is sending experts to monitor the ceasefire."
It is understood they would be experts from the UK's Foreign Office.
Image: Prime Minister Boris Johnson said UK experts could be sent to Libya
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has said countries with interests in the conflict, which has evolved into a proxy war, have agreed they should respect a much-violated arms embargo.
The nations also agreed to not provide any more military support to the warring parties and push them for a full ceasefire.
The conflict has been raging since dictator, Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, was overthrown by NATO-backed rebels in 2011.
For more than five years, the oil-rich north African nation has had two rival governments - one in the east and the other in the west, with streets controlled by armed groups.
The internationally-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) - led by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj, based in Tripoli in the west and backed by Turkish troops - is fighting forces loyal to eastern commander, General Khalifa Haftar.
Advertisement
Image: General Khalifa Haftar's self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA) is advancing on the capital
His self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA) is advancing on the capital with the backing of Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Russian mercenaries and African troops.
Up to 2,000 fighters from Syria's civil war have joined the battle, reportedly against Gen Haftar's men.
The Berlin summit was hosted by Germany and the United Nations.
Gen Haftar quit a Turkish-Russian summit a week ago and escalated the conflict on Friday when eastern oil ports were shut down.
Libya's National Oil Corporation (NOC), which has said it is neutral and deals with all parties in the conflict, claimed the shutdown was directly ordered by Gen Haftar's forces and would cut oil production by 800,000 barrels a day.
Any lasting closure could hit Tripoli hard since the government relies on oil revenues to fund its budget.


skynewspolitics--2020-01-19--UK-Russia relations still strained after Salisbury attack, PM tells Putin

The two leaders met on the margins of the summit The UK has not forgiven Moscow for the Salisbury novichok poisoning attack , Boris Johnson has told Vladimir Putin .
Dozens of Russian diplomats were expelled from Britain after the attack and relations with Moscow will not return to normal until the Kremlin stops destabilising the UK and attacking its citizens , the prime minister told Russia 's president at the Berlin Conference on Libya .
A Downing Street spokesperson said in a statement after the two leaders met on the margins of the summit that Mr Johnson `` was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK 's position on Salisbury '' .
The attack on Sergei and Yulia Skripal was `` a reckless use of chemical weapons and a brazen attempt to murder innocent people on UK soil '' , the spokesman said .
`` The prime minister said there will be no normalisation of our bilateral relationship until Russia ends the destabilising activity that threatens the UK and our allies and undermines the safety of our citizens and our collective security . ''
Mr Skripal , a former Russian spy , and his daughter were left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agents , in March 2018 but recovered .
Mother-of-three Dawn Sturgess died from novichok poisoning after her partner Charlie Rowley found a contaminated bottle discarded by the perpetrators , believing it to be a perfume bottle .
Russia has always denied being behind the attack , but UK police identified two Russian nationals , Alexander Petrov and Ruslan Boshirov who were in the Wiltshire city at the time and , they claimed , carried it out .
The pair have denied involvement , but in the furore that followed the attack many Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world .
Detective Sergeant Nick Bailey , part of the team that investigated the attack , was treated in hospital after being exposed to the nerve agent , despite wearing a protective suit .

The UK has not forgiven Moscow for the Salisbury novichok poisoning attack, Boris Johnson has told Vladimir Putin.
Dozens of Russian diplomats were expelled from Britain after the attack and relations with Moscow will not return to normal until the Kremlin stops destabilising the UK and attacking its citizens, the prime minister told Russia's president at the Berlin Conference on Libya.
A Downing Street spokesperson said in a statement after the two leaders met on the margins of the summit that Mr Johnson "was clear there had been no change in the UK's position on Salisbury".
Image: Police at Sergei Skripal's home
The attack on Sergei and Yulia Skripal was "a reckless use of chemical weapons and a brazen attempt to murder innocent people on UK soil", the spokesman said.
"The prime minister said there will be no normalisation of our bilateral relationship until Russia ends the destabilising activity that threatens the UK and our allies and undermines the safety of our citizens and our collective security."
Mr Skripal, a former Russian spy, and his daughter were left critically ill after being targeted by Russian agents, in March 2018 but recovered.
Mother-of-three Dawn Sturgess died from novichok poisoning after her partner Charlie Rowley found a contaminated bottle discarded by the perpetrators, believing it to be a perfume bottle.
Image: Mr Boshirov (left) and Mr Petrov were named as suspects by the UK
Russia has always denied being behind the attack, but UK police identified two Russian nationals, Alexander Petrov and Ruslan Boshirov who were in the Wiltshire city at the time and, they claimed, carried it out.
The pair have denied involvement, but in the furore that followed the attack many Russian diplomats were expelled from embassies around the world.
Advertisement
Detective Sergeant Nick Bailey, part of the team that investigated the attack, was treated in hospital after being exposed to the nerve agent, despite wearing a protective suit.


skynewspolitics--2020-01-19--Ministers warned over 'showboating' as reshuffle looms

Government members have effectively been told to hunker down and cool off links with reporters In what 's likely to be a crowded field , the Mail on Sunday fired out a strong competitor for the 'Ironic Political Statement of the Year Award ' .
Citing the words of an anonymous Number 10 source commenting on the looming cabinet reshuffle , the paper wrote `` the remarks show that Boris Johnson is keen to end the cult of celebrity politicians '' .
Now , anyone who 's a fan of the BBC comedy quiz show 'Have I Got News For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prime minister is arguably a pioneer in the genre of 'celebrity politician ' .
But now , it seems , the fun must end .
`` We 've been impressed by members of the cabinet and junior ministers who have quietly got on with driving real change within their departments and delivering on the PM 's priority to level up our country '' , says the Downing Street source .
It was interpreted by the papers as a warning to ministers to stop `` showboating '' in the media in a bid to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relationships with correspondents .
The implicit threat being that the axe of the former journalist turned Tory MP that now occupies Number 10 could come down on their plumb ministerial jobs if they do n't hunker down and get on with some serious work .
It 's a similar ultimatum to the one that went out to spads - the special advisers that support ministers and frequently speak to journalists on their behalf - months ago .
So why the crackdown ?
In part , this is about sending a message to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with their priorities and delivering on that now often-quoted promise of `` levelling up '' across the country .
But it 's also about control .
A newly emboldened and politically powerful Downing Street flexing its muscles over ministers and the media in a bid to sharpen their messaging and curb damaging leaks .
Indeed , the diktat to cool relations with journalists comes amid other signs of Number 10 turning the screws on the press .
Despite protestations from political reporters , the daily media briefings by the prime minister 's spokesman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Downing Street , behind a police-guarded gate , rather than in the more neutral Palace of Westminster .
Various broadcast outlets and programmes have also seen ministerial boycotts , with the harshest treatment doled out to the BBC and the Today Programme .
It wo n't have escaped the attention of bosses at the corporation 's most hard-nosed morning news programme , that the prime minister chose its somewhat lighter-toned rival BBC Breakfast as the outlet for his only in-depth interview since the election .
None of this is surprising .
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spoken in the past of his disdain for institutions like the Westminster lobby of political journalists .
: : Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Now he is at the top of a government with the majority and the confidence to push through changes and enforce discipline .
None of this is new either .
Theresa May and her own contentious aides Nick Timothy and Fiona Hill attempted a similar stern overhaul of media relations in 2016 demanding oversight of more political interviews .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ former prime minister , her government began leaking like a sieve .
With a Commons majority of 80 , that 's unlikely to happen to Mr Johnson anytime soon .
But many will note the irony of forces in Number 10 using anonymous briefings to journalists to push a message urging others to stop talking to reporters or leaking information .
Some may also wonder why Mr Johnson was allowed to use the media to boost his profile and carefully cultivate his own political personality while others must now stay silent .
Iron @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ebbs away - as it inevitably always does - cracks begin to form , and the mettle of a government is really tested .

Downing Street flexes its muscles over ministers and the media in a bid to sharpen their messaging and curb damaging leaks.
Government members have effectively been told to hunker down and cool off links with reporters
In what's likely to be a crowded field, the Mail on Sunday fired out a strong competitor for the 'Ironic Political Statement of the Year Award'.
Citing the words of an anonymous Number 10 source commenting on the looming cabinet reshuffle, the paper wrote "the remarks show that Boris Johnson is keen to end the cult of celebrity politicians".
Now, anyone who's a fan of the BBC comedy quiz show 'Have I Got News For You' will tell you the current prime minister is arguably a pioneer in the genre of 'celebrity politician'.
But now, it seems, the fun must end.
Image: The prime minister is arguably a pioneer in the genre of 'celebrity politician'
"We've been impressed by members of the cabinet and junior ministers who have quietly got on with driving real change within their departments and delivering on the PM's priority to level up our country", says the Downing Street source.
It was interpreted by the papers as a warning to ministers to stop "showboating" in the media in a bid to improve their profile and cool off friendly relationships with correspondents.
The implicit threat being that the axe of the former journalist turned Tory MP that now occupies Number 10 could come down on their plumb ministerial jobs if they don't hunker down and get on with some serious work.
It's a similar ultimatum to the one that went out to spads - the special advisers that support ministers and frequently speak to journalists on their behalf - months ago.
So why the crackdown?
Advertisement
In part, this is about sending a message to the public that the government is getting on with their priorities and delivering on that now often-quoted promise of "levelling up" across the country.
But it's also about control.
A newly emboldened and politically powerful Downing Street flexing its muscles over ministers and the media in a bid to sharpen their messaging and curb damaging leaks.
Image: Dominic Cummings has spoken of his disdain for institutions like the Westminster lobby
Indeed, the diktat to cool relations with journalists comes amid other signs of Number 10 turning the screws on the press.
Despite protestations from political reporters, the daily media briefings by the prime minister's spokesman now takes place in a government building on Downing Street, behind a police-guarded gate, rather than in the more neutral Palace of Westminster.
Various broadcast outlets and programmes have also seen ministerial boycotts, with the harshest treatment doled out to the BBC and the Today Programme.
It won't have escaped the attention of bosses at the corporation's most hard-nosed morning news programme, that the prime minister chose its somewhat lighter-toned rival BBC Breakfast as the outlet for his only in-depth interview since the election.
None of this is surprising.
Mr Johnson's controversial adviser Dominic Cummings has spoken in the past of his disdain for institutions like the Westminster lobby of political journalists.
:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Now he is at the top of a government with the majority and the confidence to push through changes and enforce discipline.
None of this is new either.
Theresa May and her own contentious aides Nick Timothy and Fiona Hill attempted a similar stern overhaul of media relations in 2016 demanding oversight of more political interviews.
Once power had drained away from the former prime minister, her government began leaking like a sieve.
With a Commons majority of 80, that's unlikely to happen to Mr Johnson anytime soon.
Image: Many will note the irony of Number 10 using anonymous media briefings to curb leaks
But many will note the irony of forces in Number 10 using anonymous briefings to journalists to push a message urging others to stop talking to reporters or leaking information.
Some may also wonder why Mr Johnson was allowed to use the media to boost his profile and carefully cultivate his own political personality while others must now stay silent.
Iron fists run on political power. When that ebbs away - as it inevitably always does - cracks begin to form, and the mettle of a government is really tested.


skynewspolitics--2020-01-20--Points-based immigration 'to be brought in by end of 2020'

Points-based immigration system 'to be brought in by end of 2020' Points-based immigration system 'to be brought in by end of 2020' The home secretary is reportedly ready to bring in new rules earlier than thought A points-based immigration system could be in place two years earlier than originally planned , according to reports .
Home Secretary Priti Patel is reportedly set to tell her cabinet colleagues that Britain should implement an Australian-style system before the end of the year - to coincide with the end of Britain 's transition period with the EU .
A government source told the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deliver change and businesses need to be prepared for uncontrolled migration of low-skilled workers to end this year .
`` There is a clear drive for talented and skilled workers from around the world to come to the UK , but we also need to see a reduction in the number of unskilled workers entering the UK and that 's why this will be coming to an end . ''
The reports come as Boris Johnson called for the UK to be the `` investment partner of choice '' for Africa and said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passports '' .
He said : `` Change is coming and our system is becoming fairer and more equal between all our global friends and partners , treating people the same , wherever they come from .
`` By putting people before passports , we will be able to attract the best talent from around the world , wherever they may be . ''
The prime minister announced an end to UK support in thermal coal mining and coal power plants overseas during a speech at the UK-Africa Investment Summit in Greenwich .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaders are in attendance in London than went to the Russia-Africa event last year , or China 's recent investment summits .
Mr Johnson said the UK conference was `` long overdue '' and added : `` We have no divine right to that business .
`` This is a competitive world .
You have many suitors . ''
The UK 's existing immigration plan drawn up under Theresa May would have provided a temporary extension of EU rules after the Brexit implementation period , which comes to an end on 31 December @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impact businesses , as groups like the Confederation of British Industry previously said companies need `` at least two years to adapt to any new immigration system '' .
Diane Abbott , shadow home secretary , said : `` This is an ill-informed and reactionary policy that will damage us all , damaging to everything from the NHS to other public services and some of our key private sector industries .
`` Ministers talk about ending uncontrolled migration when they have been in office for 10 years .
In reality this is just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign against migrants , scapegoating them for the terrible effects of Tory policies . ''
Liberal Democrat Home Affairs Spokesperson Christine Jardine said : `` Decisions like this make it loud and clear that this Conservative Government has no intention off ending the hostile environment .
It 's a national embarrassment .
`` For business and our economy , such draconian changes to immigration rules is utterly unworkable .
To think the Home Office could implement the changes in the time given is a joke . ''
Dr Alan Gamlen of Monash University @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a `` general skilled migration programme , where immigrants applying for a visa are typically selected based on 'economically relevant characteristics ' like education , language skills and work experience '' .
: : Listen to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He said : `` The exact way points are allocated changes depending on policy and the labour market but typically an applicant picks a 'skilled occupation ' from a list and needs to score a minimum number of points . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the system would mean lower-skilled workers would come to the UK when there was a specific shortage .
Sky News has contacted the Home Office for a comment .

A points-based immigration system could be in place two years earlier than originally planned, according to reports.
Home Secretary Priti Patel is reportedly set to tell her cabinet colleagues that Britain should implement an Australian-style system before the end of the year - to coincide with the end of Britain's transition period with the EU.
A government source told the Daily Express: "We need to deliver change and businesses need to be prepared for uncontrolled migration of low-skilled workers to end this year.
"There is a clear drive for talented and skilled workers from around the world to come to the UK, but we also need to see a reduction in the number of unskilled workers entering the UK and that's why this will be coming to an end."
The reports come as Boris Johnson called for the UK to be the "investment partner of choice" for Africa and said his government would put "people before passports".
He said: "Change is coming and our system is becoming fairer and more equal between all our global friends and partners, treating people the same, wherever they come from.
Image: President of Rwanda Paul Kagame and Prime Minister Boris Johnson meet at the summit
"By putting people before passports, we will be able to attract the best talent from around the world, wherever they may be."
The prime minister announced an end to UK support in thermal coal mining and coal power plants overseas during a speech at the UK-Africa Investment Summit in Greenwich.
Far fewer of the continent's 54 leaders are in attendance in London than went to the Russia-Africa event last year, or China's recent investment summits.
Advertisement
Mr Johnson said the UK conference was "long overdue" and added: "We have no divine right to that business.
"This is a competitive world. You have many suitors."
The UK's existing immigration plan drawn up under Theresa May would have provided a temporary extension of EU rules after the Brexit implementation period, which comes to an end on 31 December 2020.
A change like this could impact businesses, as groups like the Confederation of British Industry previously said companies need "at least two years to adapt to any new immigration system".
Image: Ms Patel will bring a plan to cabinet, according to reports
Diane Abbott, shadow home secretary, said: "This is an ill-informed and reactionary policy that will damage us all, damaging to everything from the NHS to other public services and some of our key private sector industries.
"Ministers talk about ending uncontrolled migration when they have been in office for 10 years. In reality this is just a new twist in the long Tory campaign against migrants, scapegoating them for the terrible effects of Tory policies."
Liberal Democrat Home Affairs Spokesperson Christine Jardine said: "Decisions like this make it loud and clear that this Conservative Government has no intention of ending the hostile environment. It's a national embarrassment.
"For business and our economy, such draconian changes to immigration rules is utterly unworkable. To think the Home Office could implement the changes in the time given is a joke."
Dr Alan Gamlen of Monash University in Melbourne said the Australian system is a "general skilled migration programme, where immigrants applying for a visa are typically selected based on 'economically relevant characteristics' like education, language skills and work experience".
:: Listen to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
He said: "The exact way points are allocated changes depending on policy and the labour market but typically an applicant picks a 'skilled occupation' from a list and needs to score a minimum number of points."
During the December election, Mr Johnson said the system would mean lower-skilled workers would come to the UK when there was a specific shortage.
Sky News has contacted the Home Office for a comment.


skynewspolitics--2020-01-20--Sir Keir Starmer makes it to final round of Labour leadership race

Labour leadership : Sir Keir Starmer makes it through to final round of contest to succeed Jeremy Corbyn Labour leadership : Sir Keir Starmer makes it through to final round of contest to succeed Jeremy Corbyn Sir Keir Starmer is considered the frontrunner in the contest Sir Keir Starmer has become the first candidate to make it through to the final round of the Labour leadership race .
On Monday the shadow Brexit secretary secured the endorsement of the retail union Usdaw , meaning he will be on the ballot paper when party members choose Jeremy Corbyn 's successor .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ support of Labour MPs and MEPs , candidates are now battling to ensure they make it to the final round of the contest .
Leadership hopefuls can do this in one of two ways .
They can get the nominations of three Labour affiliates , including at least two trade unions .
Or they can secure endorsements from at least 5 % of constituency Labour parties ( CLPs ) .
Candidates have until 14 February to secure their place on the ballot .
Sir Keir , who is considered the frontrunner in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' to get the backing of Usdaw .
It follows endorsements from Unison and the Socialist Environment and Resources Association .
`` Our campaign is building unity across the labour movement , amongst trade unionists and members , '' he said .
`` Usdaw represents over 400,000 workers and fights every day for its members and for a fairer society .
`` If I 'm elected leader , Labour will stand shoulder to shoulder with the trade union movement as we take on the Tories and rebuild trust with working people . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ succeed Mr Corbyn are shadow business secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey , shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry , Wigan MP Lisa Nandy and Jess Phillips , MP for Birmingham Yardley .
Ms Phillips told Sky News on Sunday that it would be `` embarrassing '' if Labour failed to elect its first female leader , urging men to `` pass the mic '' on the top job .
She warned it would `` look bad '' and also hand `` ammunition '' to political opponents , who were `` laughing at us '' .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stop trying to appease `` fear-mongering opportunist '' who try to whip up opposition to immigration .
Writing for The Independent , she said her party had to challenge the `` pernicious myth '' that working class communities were hostile to immigration .
As well as announcing its backing for Sir Keir , Usdaw also endorsed shadow education secretary Angela Rayner for deputy leader .
The other contenders are Edinburgh South MP Ian Murray , shadow sport minister Rosena Allin-Khan , shadow equalities minister Dawn Butler and shadow justice secretary Richard Burgon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be announced in early April .
The deadline passed for people to join the party in order to cast a ballot at 5pm on Monday .

Sir Keir Starmer has become the first candidate to make it through to the final round of the Labour leadership race.
On Monday the shadow Brexit secretary secured the endorsement of the retail union Usdaw, meaning he will be on the ballot paper when party members choose Jeremy Corbyn's successor.
Having initially been required to secure the support of Labour MPs and MEPs, candidates are now battling to ensure they make it to the final round of the contest.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:49 Starmer calls for Labour unity
Leadership hopefuls can do this in one of two ways.
They can get the nominations of three Labour affiliates, including at least two trade unions.
Or they can secure endorsements from at least 5% of constituency Labour parties (CLPs).
Candidates have until 14 February to secure their place on the ballot.
Sir Keir, who is considered the frontrunner in the race, said he was "honoured" to get the backing of Usdaw.
It follows endorsements from Unison and the Socialist Environment and Resources Association.
Advertisement
"Our campaign is building unity across the labour movement, amongst trade unionists and members," he said.
"Usdaw represents over 400,000 workers and fights every day for its members and for a fairer society.
"If I'm elected leader, Labour will stand shoulder to shoulder with the trade union movement as we take on the Tories and rebuild trust with working people."
The other candidates in the race to succeed Mr Corbyn are shadow business secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey, shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry, Wigan MP Lisa Nandy and Jess Phillips, MP for Birmingham Yardley.
Ms Phillips told Sky News on Sunday that it would be "embarrassing" if Labour failed to elect its first female leader, urging men to "pass the mic" on the top job.
She warned it would "look bad" and also hand "ammunition" to political opponents, who were "laughing at us".
On Monday, Ms Phillips said Labour had to stop trying to appease "fear-mongering opportunist" who try to whip up opposition to immigration.
Writing for The Independent, she said her party had to challenge the "pernicious myth" that working class communities were hostile to immigration.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:57 Time for men 'to pass the mic'
As well as announcing its backing for Sir Keir, Usdaw also endorsed shadow education secretary Angela Rayner for deputy leader.
The other contenders are Edinburgh South MP Ian Murray, shadow sport minister Rosena Allin-Khan, shadow equalities minister Dawn Butler and shadow justice secretary Richard Burgon.
Winners in the two contests will be announced in early April.
The deadline passed for people to join the party in order to cast a ballot at 5pm on Monday.


skynewspolitics--2020-01-20--Johnson's Brexit deal suffers first defeat in the Lords

Boris Johnson 's Brexit deal suffers first defeat in the House of Lords Boris Johnson 's Brexit deal suffers first defeat in the House of Lords The upper chamber backed an amendment to the Withdrawal Agreement Bill by 270 votes to 229 Boris Johnson has suffered a defeat in the House of Lords as peers backed an amendment to his Brexit legislation .
The upper chamber backed a cross-party amendment to the Withdrawal Agreement Bill on the issue of EU citizens ' rights , by 270 votes to 229 .
It calls for EU citizens lawfully residing in Britain to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Around three million EU citizens live in the UK - and they have until at least July 2021 to make an application for settled status .
The scheme aims to help EU citizens and their families live and work in the UK once freedom of movement comes to an end as a result of Brexit .
This is the first defeat for the government in the Lords since December 's general election .
The vote means the legislation will have to go back to the Commons .
However , Mr Johnson 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the amendment is overturned .
But its passage does indicate the strength of feeling among peers on the issue .
It came on the same day that the Northern Ireland 's assembly rejected the government 's EU withdrawal bill - although the decision will not actually affect Britain 's exit from the EU on 31 January .
Lord Oates , a Liberal Democrat peer , warned that a lack of physical documentation would leave EU citizens `` severely disadvantaged '' in dealings with landlords , airlines , employers and other officials .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ an attempt to challenge Brexit or `` frustrate '' the bill .
Lord Oates said EU citizens who have settled status should be able to obtain physical proof of their status , rather than the digital-only proof they currently receive .
Those who have successfully claimed settled status have received confirmation by email - but the letter specified it was not legal proof of their status .
In some cases , citizens have been told to use a screenshot of their confirmation on their phone as proof .
Labour peer Lord McNichol said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' about the government 's handling of the issue and would vote against them unless concessions were granted .
But Home Office minister Baroness Williams claimed the amendment could lead to `` ID card creep '' - and said the current system was robust and reliable .
She also warned that physical documents could be lost , stolen or tampered with .
`` The government is adamant that we must avoid the situation where years down the line EU citizens who have built their lives here find themselves struggling to prove their rights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said .
The government later suffered two more defeats on the Withdrawal Agreement Bill .
One was on the issue of ministerial powers over the courts to depart from European Court of Justice judgments .
A cross-party amendment to delete the power from the legislation was approved by 241 votes to 205 , majority 36 .
A third defeat quickly followed , as the upper chamber backed a move to allow cases to be referred to the Supreme Court to decide whether to depart from EU case law .

Boris Johnson has suffered a defeat in the House of Lords as peers backed an amendment to his Brexit legislation.
The upper chamber backed a cross-party amendment to the Withdrawal Agreement Bill on the issue of EU citizens' rights, by 270 votes to 229.
It calls for EU citizens lawfully residing in Britain to be allowed physical proof of their status.
Image: This is the first defeat for the government in the Lords since the general election
Around three million EU citizens live in the UK - and they have until at least July 2021 to make an application for settled status.
The scheme aims to help EU citizens and their families live and work in the UK once freedom of movement comes to an end as a result of Brexit.
This is the first defeat for the government in the Lords since December's general election.
The vote means the legislation will have to go back to the Commons.
However, Mr Johnson's large Commons majority of 80 will ensure that the amendment is overturned.
But its passage does indicate the strength of feeling among peers on the issue.
Advertisement
It came on the same day that the Northern Ireland's assembly rejected the government's EU withdrawal bill - although the decision will not actually affect Britain's exit from the EU on 31 January.
Lord Oates, a Liberal Democrat peer, warned that a lack of physical documentation would leave EU citizens "severely disadvantaged" in dealings with landlords, airlines, employers and other officials.
He rejected claims that the amendment was an attempt to challenge Brexit or "frustrate" the bill.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:09 December: PM takes first step towards delivering Brexit as MPs back deal
Lord Oates said EU citizens who have settled status should be able to obtain physical proof of their status, rather than the digital-only proof they currently receive.
Those who have successfully claimed settled status have received confirmation by email - but the letter specified it was not legal proof of their status.
In some cases, citizens have been told to use a screenshot of their confirmation on their phone as proof.
Labour peer Lord McNichol said the party was "far from convinced" about the government's handling of the issue and would vote against them unless concessions were granted.
But Home Office minister Baroness Williams claimed the amendment could lead to "ID card creep" - and said the current system was robust and reliable.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:19 Chancellor: Brexit won't benefit all businesses
She also warned that physical documents could be lost, stolen or tampered with.
"The government is adamant that we must avoid the situation where years down the line EU citizens who have built their lives here find themselves struggling to prove their rights and entitlements in the UK," she said.
The government later suffered two more defeats on the Withdrawal Agreement Bill.
One was on the issue of ministerial powers over the courts to depart from European Court of Justice judgments.
A cross-party amendment to delete the power from the legislation was approved by 241 votes to 205, majority 36.
A third defeat quickly followed, as the upper chamber backed a move to allow cases to be referred to the Supreme Court to decide whether to depart from EU case law.


skynewspolitics--2020-01-20--Downing Street: Bercow peerage from Labour against convention

Downing Street : John Bercow peerage from Labour would go against convention Downing Street : John Bercow peerage from Labour would go against convention Downing Street has cast doubt on a reported move by Labour to nominate John Bercow for a peerage .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson 's official spokesman has said the purported move would go against convention - unless the former Speaker joined the party .
`` It is a long-standing convention that leaders of the opposition can nominate individuals representing their party for peerages , '' they said .
Downing Street has declined to comment on specific @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no list of potential peers from Jeremy Corbyn has been submitted to Mr Johnson .
Labour has declined to comment , but has not denied the reports .
The reported move has raised eyebrows at Westminster given Mr Bercow had been a Conservative MP prior to taking up the role of parliamentary referee .
Mr Bercow entered parliament as MP for Buckingham in 1997 , before becoming Speaker in 2009 .
He stepped down from the role , which involves presiding over proceedings in the Commons , in November .
Mr Bercow was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and their efforts to hold the government to account , particularly on Brexit .
But critics frequently accused him of straying out of the bounds of his authority and raised questions about his impartiality over a number of rulings which were considered to favour Remain supporters .
He survived numerous attempts to remove him from the chair , as well as revelations about his expenses and allegations of bullying , which he denied .
As well as Mr Bercow , Mr Corbyn is said to have nominated his former deputy Tom Watson , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relationship , to the unelected chamber .
The reported choice of chief of staff Karie Murphy for a peerage has also been criticised , given the current inquiry into alleged instances of antisemitism in the party by the Equality and Human Rights Commission ( EHRC ) .

Downing Street has cast doubt on a reported move by Labour to nominate John Bercow for a peerage.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson's official spokesman has said the purported move would go against convention - unless the former Speaker joined the party.
"It is a long-standing convention that leaders of the opposition can nominate individuals representing their party for peerages," they said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:34 Order! John Bercow's highlights from election night
Downing Street has declined to comment on specific nominations, while it is understood that no list of potential peers from Jeremy Corbyn has been submitted to Mr Johnson.
In a sign of the irritation within Downing Street at Mr Bercow's time in the Speaker's chair, Number 10 broke with the tradition of offering a retiring speaker a place on the red benches.
Labour has declined to comment, but has not denied the reports.
The reported move has raised eyebrows at Westminster given Mr Bercow had been a Conservative MP prior to taking up the role of parliamentary referee.
Mr Bercow entered parliament as MP for Buckingham in 1997, before becoming Speaker in 2009.
He stepped down from the role, which involves presiding over proceedings in the Commons, in November.
Advertisement
Mr Bercow was seen as a champion of backbench MPs and their efforts to hold the government to account, particularly on Brexit.
But critics frequently accused him of straying out of the bounds of his authority and raised questions about his impartiality over a number of rulings which were considered to favour Remain supporters.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:24 John Bercow's legacy as Speaker
He survived numerous attempts to remove him from the chair, as well as revelations about his expenses and allegations of bullying, which he denied.
As well as Mr Bercow, Mr Corbyn is said to have nominated his former deputy Tom Watson, with whom he had a fractious working relationship, to the unelected chamber.
The reported choice of chief of staff Karie Murphy for a peerage has also been criticised, given the current inquiry into alleged instances of antisemitism in the party by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC).


skynewspolitics--2020-01-20--EU casts more doubt over Brexit trade deal by December

EU casts further doubt on hopes of Brexit trade deal with UK by December EU casts further doubt on hopes of Brexit trade deal with UK by December The EU has revealed it might not be ready to start negotiating a free trade deal with Britain until March .
Eric Mamer , chief spokesman for the European Commission , made the comments at a media briefing in Brussels .
It raises further doubts about the prospects of the two sides coming to an agreement before the end of the Brexit transition period in December .
Mr Mamer , when asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ once Britain has left the bloc at the end of this month , said : `` The commission can adopt its proposal for the negotiation directives only once the UK has actually withdrawn from the EU .
`` But then there is still an institutional process for these to be adopted by the ( European ) Council .
`` This we know will take some time , which is why we have said we will start negotiations as quickly as we can , but it will certainly not be before the end of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is not a slowing down or speeding up of the process .
`` This is simply the nature of the institutional process and the consultations that need to take place before the negotiation directives can be formally adopted . ''
She told an audience at the London School of Economics earlier this month that it would not be possible to sort out every aspect of Britain 's future relationship with the EU before the current deadline .
Mrs von der Leyen warned that both sides will have to `` prioritise '' which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ December .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he will not extend the transition period into 2021 , a stance he reiterated in talks with Mrs von der Leyen in Downing Street recently .
His official spokesman said on Monday : `` We are free to begin discussions with countries around the world from 1 February .
We are ready to begin discussions with the EU from 1 February .
`` The EU have various processes to go through before they are ready to sit down and have those discussions with us .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the EU , have warned that less than a year is not enough time to negotiate a free trade deal .
As it stands , Britain will leave the EU at the end of this month once the withdrawal agreement - which covers the terms of the UK 's EU exit - is ratified .
It will then move into the transition period and the next phase of finalising Brexit , the future relationship .
Chancellor Sajid Javid said at the weekend that there will not be alignment with EU rules post-Brexit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' to that new reality .
Responding to this , Mr Mamer said the UK would have to accept less access to the EU single market if it follows through on its intention to diverge .
: : Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' We have had this conversation a number of times and we have made our position very clear , '' he said .
`` There is a link between moving away from EU regulations and the degree of access that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` That position has not changed .
`` I think both sides have expressed their positions very clearly and , hence , I have nothing to add to the comments that were made this weekend . ''

The EU has revealed it might not be ready to start negotiating a free trade deal with Britain until March.
Eric Mamer, chief spokesman for the European Commission, made the comments at a media briefing in Brussels.
It raises further doubts about the prospects of the two sides coming to an agreement before the end of the Brexit transition period in December.
Mr Mamer, when asked about the time frame for starting negotiations once Britain has left the bloc at the end of this month, said: "The commission can adopt its proposal for the negotiation directives only once the UK has actually withdrawn from the EU.
"But then there is still an institutional process for these to be adopted by the (European) Council.
"This we know will take some time, which is why we have said we will start negotiations as quickly as we can, but it will certainly not be before the end of February, beginning of March.
"This is not a slowing down or speeding up of the process.
"This is simply the nature of the institutional process and the consultations that need to take place before the negotiation directives can be formally adopted."
The comments echo remarks from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Advertisement
She told an audience at the London School of Economics earlier this month that it would not be possible to sort out every aspect of Britain's future relationship with the EU before the current deadline.
Mrs von der Leyen warned that both sides will have to "prioritise" which elements are negotiated before the end of December.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he will not extend the transition period into 2021, a stance he reiterated in talks with Mrs von der Leyen in Downing Street recently.
His official spokesman said on Monday: "We are free to begin discussions with countries around the world from 1 February. We are ready to begin discussions with the EU from 1 February.
"The EU have various processes to go through before they are ready to sit down and have those discussions with us."
Opponents, and some senior figures in the EU, have warned that less than a year is not enough time to negotiate a free trade deal.
Image: Chancellor Sajid Javid has said there will be no alignment with EU rules post-Brexit
As it stands, Britain will leave the EU at the end of this month once the withdrawal agreement - which covers the terms of the UK's EU exit - is ratified.
It will then move into the transition period and the next phase of finalising Brexit, the future relationship.
Chancellor Sajid Javid said at the weekend that there will not be alignment with EU rules post-Brexit - and urged businesses to "adjust" to that new reality.
Responding to this, Mr Mamer said the UK would have to accept less access to the EU single market if it follows through on its intention to diverge.
:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"We have had this conversation a number of times and we have made our position very clear," he said.
"There is a link between moving away from EU regulations and the degree of access that is possible into the single market.
"That position has not changed.
"I think both sides have expressed their positions very clearly and, hence, I have nothing to add to the comments that were made this weekend."


skynewspolitics--2020-01-20--Brown calls for 'constitutional revolution' to prevent UK break-up

Gordon Brown says there needs to be big changes to keep the Union together Gordon Brown has called for sweeping constitutional changes including a `` council of the north '' to avoid the break-up of the United Kingdom .
The former prime minister criticised what he called `` cosmetic gestures '' by Boris Johnson , who has suggested moving the House of Lords to York in a bid to burst the Westminster bubble .
But Mr Brown said there must be more done to keep the Union together after Brexit .
Speaking to Sky News before a speech at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` I think getting Brexit done is in danger of leaving Britain undone .
`` We have got to face up to the fact that unless we fundamentally change our constitution , Scotland may secede from it and the regions will feel uncomfortable within it .
`` Boris Johnson ca n't just have cosmetic measures like moving the House of Lords , there has got to be substantive change .
`` People are very fed up with stagnant wages , public services which are deteriorating , boarded up town centres .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ voice . ''
He is proposing a `` forum of the regions and nations and a council of the north '' as well as a council for the Midlands , and funding for each in the same way as Wales and Scotland .
Mr Brown added : `` This is a sort of constitutional revolution .
We have been a unitary state for too long , once we bring in nations and regions you have a very different kind of UK and Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland would feel more comfortable .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ under pressure to change the constitution and said Scotland could feel more comfortable in a United Kingdom which reallocates resources to outlying nations and regions .
Mr Brown , a staunch opponent of Scottish independence , denied that there was a need for a second Scottish referendum .
He said the Scottish Parliament leader 's `` two arguments '' had not been met .
He said : `` We do n't know the future relationship with Europe yet and the other was a consistent majority of support for independence and there is no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also criticised Ms Sturgeon for not using all the powers available to her party but said they should get more after Brexit .
He said : `` Extra powers have gone to the Scottish parliament and I believe after Brexit there will have to be additional powers go to the Scottish parliament - fishing , farming have been transferred to Whitehall and they should go on to Wales , Scotland , Northern Ireland and the regions .
`` The Scottish Parliament has the power to top up benefits but they have n't used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do more . ''
: : Listen to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Brown said Mr Johnson would have to answer for his claims that there would not be a border in the sea between Northern Ireland and Great Britain and said the solution offered by the current prime minister is a `` justifiable source of grievance '' for Northern Ireland .
Meanwhile , he refused to criticise the rising costs of HS2 outright but did say it would make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right to the north in the end and going to bring the whole country together '' .
He said : `` We need a transport plan for the future infrastructure of the UK , so much has been spent on London on Crossrail , and for the Olympics and the north was neglected .
`` The plan has got to improve what happens in the North East . ''
Mr Brown did not disclose who he is supporting to replace Jeremy Corbyn in the Labour leadership race but indicated he would choose a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make it onto the ballot paper .

Gordon Brown has called for sweeping constitutional changes including a "council of the north" to avoid the break-up of the United Kingdom.
The former prime minister criticised what he called "cosmetic gestures" by Boris Johnson, who has suggested moving the House of Lords to York in a bid to burst the Westminster bubble.
But Mr Brown said there must be more done to keep the Union together after Brexit.
Image: Gordon Brown left Downing Street in 2010 after defeat in a general election
Speaking to Sky News before a speech at a Hope Not Hate event, Mr Brown said: "I think getting Brexit done is in danger of leaving Britain undone.
"We have got to face up to the fact that unless we fundamentally change our constitution, Scotland may secede from it and the regions will feel uncomfortable within it.
"Boris Johnson can't just have cosmetic measures like moving the House of Lords, there has got to be substantive change.
"People are very fed up with stagnant wages, public services which are deteriorating, boarded up town centres. The regions and nations must have a voice."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:33 House of Lords could leave London for the north
He is proposing a "forum of the regions and nations and a council of the north" as well as a council for the Midlands, and funding for each in the same way as Wales and Scotland.
Mr Brown added: "This is a sort of constitutional revolution. We have been a unitary state for too long, once we bring in nations and regions you have a very different kind of UK and Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland would feel more comfortable."
Advertisement
He said the UK will be under pressure to change the constitution and said Scotland could feel more comfortable in a United Kingdom which reallocates resources to outlying nations and regions.
Mr Brown, a staunch opponent of Scottish independence, denied that there was a need for a second Scottish referendum.
He said the Scottish Parliament leader's "two arguments" had not been met.
He said: "We don't know the future relationship with Europe yet and the other was a consistent majority of support for independence and there is no such case for it yet.
"It's a divided Scotland."
He also criticised Ms Sturgeon for not using all the powers available to her party but said they should get more after Brexit.
He said: "Extra powers have gone to the Scottish parliament and I believe after Brexit there will have to be additional powers go to the Scottish parliament - fishing, farming have been transferred to Whitehall and they should go on to Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the regions.
"The Scottish Parliament has the power to top up benefits but they haven't used them.
"The Scottish government needs to do more."
:: Listen to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Mr Brown said Mr Johnson would have to answer for his claims that there would not be a border in the sea between Northern Ireland and Great Britain and said the solution offered by the current prime minister is a "justifiable source of grievance" for Northern Ireland.
Meanwhile, he refused to criticise the rising costs of HS2 outright but did say it would make more sense if it was "going right to the north in the end and going to bring the whole country together".
He said: "We need a transport plan for the future infrastructure of the UK, so much has been spent on London on Crossrail, and for the Olympics and the north was neglected.
"The plan has got to improve what happens in the North East."
Mr Brown did not disclose who he is supporting to replace Jeremy Corbyn in the Labour leadership race but indicated he would choose a candidate to back when the final names make it onto the ballot paper.


skynewspolitics--2020-01-20--Stormont rejects Boris Johnson's Brexit deal

The decision will not affect Britain 's exit from the EU on 31 January Stormont has rejected the government 's EU withdrawal bill after debating it for the first time since restoring the assembly .
The position was agreed without dissent following a near three-hour debate in Northern Ireland .
It is one of the first substantive acts of business since the Northern Ireland assembly started sitting again just over a week ago .
However the decision will not actually affect Britain 's exit from the EU on 31 January .
Northern Ireland has been unable to speak without the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the debate over Brexit due to the three-year suspension of the devolved institutions .
It comes as Stephen Barclay , the Brexit Secretary , wrote to his counterparts in the Scottish and Welsh governments as they go through the same process .
Mr Barclay told Michael Russell , Scotland 's cabinet secretary for constitutional relations , and Jeremy Miles , the Welsh Brexit minister , that the UK government `` should not normally press ahead with legislation without legislative consent motions from devolved administrations '' .
But he added that `` the circumstances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are specific , singular and exceptional '' .
`` That does not however mean the UK government will not continue to work to address your concerns , '' Mr Barclay said .
The Brexit secretary also appeared to chastise his Scottish counterpart for his `` public remarks '' over the UK government 's consultations .
He said : `` The bill was shared with you ahead of introduction and its core provisions have remained consistent over the court of our engagement on this matter since November 2018 . ''
In Northern Ireland , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , failed in a bid to delay the assembly debate on Brexit .
He wanted proceedings put back a week in order to allow members to table amendments , but he was voted down .
DUP leader Arlene Foster opened Stormont 's debate and urged the prime minister to `` deliver on his promise '' of unfettered access to the market in Great Britain .
She said the Brexit deal poses `` significant challenges for Northern Ireland '' and said members should `` take a stand '' and show the assembly is `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the debate , Sinn Fein Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill said : `` I 'm fairly confident the assembly will reject giving consent to Brexit which we all , in the main and in the majority , voted against .
`` We are very conscious of the fact - and we have repeatedly stated this - that there is no good to come from Brexit - it brings nothing , only jeopardy to our economy and to jobs , to future prospects , and I think that will be reflected in the debate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Scottish parliamentarians in Edinburgh have already voted to reject the deal and their Welsh equivalents are likely to do the same .
: : Listen to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said the government did not care about the people in Northern Ireland , saying : `` We have always said people here did not give consent for Brexit and it 's important that this assembly withholds consent for Brexit .
`` We know this British @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are ignoring us they are ignoring the people of Northern Ireland , people of Scotland and the representatives of the people of Wales .
`` That shows you what kind of government is sitting now in London .
They do not care about people here , they do n't care about people in Scotland , and they are determined to go on with the madness that is this Brexit . ''

Stormont has rejected the government's EU withdrawal bill after debating it for the first time since restoring the assembly.
The position was agreed without dissent following a near three-hour debate in Northern Ireland.
It is one of the first substantive acts of business since the Northern Ireland assembly started sitting again just over a week ago.
However the decision will not actually affect Britain's exit from the EU on 31 January.
Northern Ireland has been unable to speak without the authority of elected ministers throughout most of the debate over Brexit due to the three-year suspension of the devolved institutions.
It comes as Stephen Barclay, the Brexit Secretary, wrote to his counterparts in the Scottish and Welsh governments as they go through the same process.
Mr Barclay told Michael Russell, Scotland's cabinet secretary for constitutional relations, and Jeremy Miles, the Welsh Brexit minister, that the UK government "should not normally press ahead with legislation without legislative consent motions from devolved administrations".
But he added that "the circumstances of our departure from the European Union are specific, singular and exceptional".
"That does not however mean the UK government will not continue to work to address your concerns," Mr Barclay said.
Advertisement
The Brexit secretary also appeared to chastise his Scottish counterpart for his "public remarks" over the UK government's consultations.
He said: "The bill was shared with you ahead of introduction and its core provisions have remained consistent over the court of our engagement on this matter since November 2018."
In Northern Ireland, Jim McAllister, a traditional unionist voice, failed in a bid to delay the assembly debate on Brexit.
He wanted proceedings put back a week in order to allow members to table amendments, but he was voted down.
DUP leader Arlene Foster opened Stormont's debate and urged the prime minister to "deliver on his promise" of unfettered access to the market in Great Britain.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:25 Devolution formally restored as power-sharing resumes at Stormont
She said the Brexit deal poses "significant challenges for Northern Ireland" and said members should "take a stand" and show the assembly is "back in business".
Ahead of the debate, Sinn Fein Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill said: "I'm fairly confident the assembly will reject giving consent to Brexit which we all, in the main and in the majority, voted against.
"We are very conscious of the fact - and we have repeatedly stated this - that there is no good to come from Brexit - it brings nothing, only jeopardy to our economy and to jobs, to future prospects, and I think that will be reflected in the debate we will have in assembly chamber today."
Scottish parliamentarians in Edinburgh have already voted to reject the deal and their Welsh equivalents are likely to do the same.
:: Listen to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said the government did not care about the people in Northern Ireland, saying: "We have always said people here did not give consent for Brexit and it's important that this assembly withholds consent for Brexit.
"We know this British government will ignore us but when they are ignoring us they are ignoring the people of Northern Ireland, people of Scotland and the representatives of the people of Wales.
"That shows you what kind of government is sitting now in London. They do not care about people here, they don't care about people in Scotland, and they are determined to go on with the madness that is this Brexit."


skynewspolitics--2020-01-20--Lib Dem leadership race starts as party moves to replace Jo Swinson

The first Liberal Democrat MP has hinted she is running for party leader as the race gets under way to replace Jo Swinson .
The former leader of the party lost her seat in the 12 December general election and Sir Ed Davey is currently the acting leader .
Wera Hobhouse , who represents Bath , has said she is getting ready to make her pitch to the Liberal Democrats .
She told Sky News : `` I am considering to stand .
Simpy because I want to be part of that big debate that we are going to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I am gathering my team together . ''
Ms Hobhouse said Lib Dems `` fight good internal debates because we actually believe in that transparency '' .
The Lib Dems are n't rushing to select a replacement for the ousted Ms Swinson and the nominations wo n't open until 11 May .
Potential candidates will have until 28 May to get nominations together and the ballot will start on 18 June .
The votes will close on 15 July .
: : Listen to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spreaker Former leader Sir Vince Cable said it was `` very sensible '' to give it time to choose a leader .
He said : `` Not rushing in is sensible , not least because we need to know where the Labour Party is going . ''
The party has more than 100,000 members who will be eligible to vote and the party president Mark Pack urged `` everyone else who shared our values '' to join and vote .

The first Liberal Democrat MP has hinted she is running for party leader as the race gets under way to replace Jo Swinson.
The former leader of the party lost her seat in the 12 December general election and Sir Ed Davey is currently the acting leader.
Wera Hobhouse, who represents Bath, has said she is getting ready to make her pitch to the Liberal Democrats.
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
She told Sky News: "I am considering to stand. Simpy because I want to be part of that big debate that we are going to have.
"I am preparing my pitch, I am gathering my team together."
Ms Hobhouse said Lib Dems "fight good internal debates because we actually believe in that transparency".
The Lib Dems aren't rushing to select a replacement for the ousted Ms Swinson and the nominations won't open until 11 May.
Potential candidates will have until 28 May to get nominations together and the ballot will start on 18 June.
The votes will close on 15 July.
Advertisement
:: Listen to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Former leader Sir Vince Cable said it was "very sensible" to give it time to choose a leader.
He said: "Not rushing in is sensible, not least because we need to know where the Labour Party is going."
The party has more than 100,000 members who will be eligible to vote and the party president Mark Pack urged "everyone else who shared our values" to join and vote.