skynewspolitics--2020-07-12--'Let's get going': Government steps up Brexit preparation with details on travel and immigration

The government is to set out the UK 's future immigration and border policies today , as it aims to prepare the country for the end of the Brexit transition period .
Home Secretary Priti Patel will say the country will be able to `` welcome the best and brightest global talent '' as she publishes a 130-page document detailing how the new points-based immigration system will operate .
The announcement is expected to include a visa for foreign health professionals , but Labour says the proposals have been `` rushed '' and could cause `` major problems '' for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new policies will take effect from 1 January 2021 , when the UK leaves the EU customs union and single market .
Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove has launched a public information campaign to tell individuals and businesses how to prepare for the changes .
A new website will use the `` Check , Change , Go '' strapline and will provide a questionnaire tool to identify specific steps to take .
UK nationals intending to travel to Europe next year will be advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance and check with their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charges .
Those wishing to travel with pets will also be advised to seek the required documentation from a vet at least four months before travelling to the EU .
In a statement Mr Gove said : `` At the end of this year we are leaving the single market and customs union regardless of the type of agreement we reach with the EU .
This will bring changes and significant opportunities for which we all need to prepare .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have already made great progress in getting ready for this moment , there are actions that businesses and citizens must take now to ensure we are ready to hit the ground running as a fully independent United Kingdom .
`` This is a new start for everyone in the UK - British and European citizens alike - so let 's get going . ''
The campaign will use television , radio and online advertising , as well as sending information via text message .
Acting leader of the Liberal Democrats Sir Ed Davey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United Kingdom have struggled to survive financially over the past few months as a result of the coronavirus crisis .
`` The fact that the government is now trying to force them to gear up and prepare for the end of the transition period will fill them with utter horror . ''
Business groups have warned many firms will not be ready to implement changes by the end of the year .
Jonathan Geldart , director general of the Institute of Directors , said : `` With so much going on , many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is like trying to hit a moving target .
Jumping immediately into whatever comes next would be a nightmare for many businesses .
`` A commitment to some form of reciprocal phasing-in of changes once clear is a long-standing ask from our members , and the benefits would be significant .
`` At a time when government is rightly straining every sinew to help firms deal with widespread disruption , it would be counterproductive not to seek to minimise it at the end of the year '' .

The government is to set out the UK's future immigration and border policies today, as it aims to prepare the country for the end of the Brexit transition period.
Home Secretary Priti Patel will say the country will be able to "welcome the best and brightest global talent" as she publishes a 130-page document detailing how the new points-based immigration system will operate.
The announcement is expected to include a visa for foreign health professionals, but Labour says the proposals have been "rushed" and could cause "major problems" for the NHS and care sector.
Image: Michael Gove says next year will be a 'new start'. File pic
The new policies will take effect from 1 January 2021, when the UK leaves the EU customs union and single market.
Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove has launched a public information campaign to tell individuals and businesses how to prepare for the changes.
A new website will use the "Check, Change, Go" strapline and will provide a questionnaire tool to identify specific steps to take.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:45 Govt announces £705m to secure UK borders
UK nationals intending to travel to Europe next year will be advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance and check with their mobile phone provider about additional data roaming charges.
Those wishing to travel with pets will also be advised to seek the required documentation from a vet at least four months before travelling to the EU.
In a statement Mr Gove said: "At the end of this year we are leaving the single market and customs union regardless of the type of agreement we reach with the EU. This will bring changes and significant opportunities for which we all need to prepare.
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"While we have already made great progress in getting ready for this moment, there are actions that businesses and citizens must take now to ensure we are ready to hit the ground running as a fully independent United Kingdom.
"This is a new start for everyone in the UK - British and European citizens alike - so let's get going."
The campaign will use television, radio and online advertising, as well as sending information via text message.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:28 Brexit: PM calls for 'oomph' in trade talks
Acting leader of the Liberal Democrats Sir Ed Davey said: "Businesses right across the United Kingdom have struggled to survive financially over the past few months as a result of the coronavirus crisis.
"The fact that the government is now trying to force them to gear up and prepare for the end of the transition period will fill them with utter horror."
Business groups have warned many firms will not be ready to implement changes by the end of the year.
Image: The UK leaves the EU customs union and single market next year
Jonathan Geldart, director general of the Institute of Directors, said: "With so much going on, many directors feel that preparing for Brexit proper is like trying to hit a moving target. Jumping immediately into whatever comes next would be a nightmare for many businesses.
"A commitment to some form of reciprocal phasing-in of changes once clear is a long-standing ask from our members, and the benefits would be significant.
"At a time when government is rightly straining every sinew to help firms deal with widespread disruption, it would be counterproductive not to seek to minimise it at the end of the year".


skynewspolitics--2020-07-13--Starmer's first 100 days: Labour leader seen as clean break from Corbyn - poll

Sir Keir Starmer is most likely to be compared to Tony Blair by voters , and is already seen as a clean break from Jeremy Corbyn , according to new polling 100 days into his leadership .
Figures provided exclusively by YouGov to Sky News give a picture of how the Labour leader is performing compared to previous party leaders .
A third of the public ( 33 % ) rated him as similar to former Labour prime minister Tony Blair - compared with only 8 % finding him similar to his predecessor Jeremy Corbyn .
Meanwhile 26 % regarded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , compared with a massive 61 % who regarded him as different to Mr Corbyn , who led Labour to its worst defeat in decades in December .
Sir Keir 's time at the helm has been dominated by COVID-19 , but also by swift and decisive reforms to his party 's image - replacing the powerful general secretary with a more centrist figure , cracking down on antisemitism and firing his leadership rival Rebecca Long-Bailey from the shadow cabinet .
As leader , he is seen by some margin as different rather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Miliband .
But he was more likely to be compared even to Conservative prime ministers David Cameron and Theresa May than Mr Corbyn .
Some 40 % of voters are yet to make their mind up about him and YouGov 's research manager Chris Curtis said : `` The British people are still getting to know Keir Starmer , but there have been a few things that have stood out to them so far .
`` Despite having to run to the left in the leadership election , the public think he is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and is a very different leader to Jeremy Corbyn . ''
Sir Keir 's personal approval ratings have overtaken Boris Johnson 's but he has made clear that the Labour Party faces a huge electoral challenge in the so-called Red Wall seats in the North and Midlands which turned to the Conservatives , many for the first time .
His party is also behind the Conservatives in convincing voters with its economic policies and is currently embroiled in an internal row about whether to consider wealth taxes .
: : Listen to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker One of his shadow ministers told Sky News that , compared with the position in December , `` where we are today with Keir is beyond most of our wildest dreams '' but the leader had inherited `` huge problems '' not of his own making - most imminently Scottish Parliament elections next spring in which the party could lose more ground .
`` The Scottish Labour Party appears to have no plan at all , then there 's the unions where we now have three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Labour brand which is heavily tarnished in the electorate 's eyes plus a party machine in very poor condition , '' the source said .
Another senior figure in his team said the biggest challenges were professionalising the party 's operation and `` building an effective message and programme that contrasts powerfully with the Tories '' which will both take time .
Mr Blair 's former adviser John McTernan said it was `` brilliant news '' for Sir Keir to be compared to Labour 's most electorally successful former leader .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ similarities [ with Blair ] : north London , lawyers , a confidence about themselves… but the real thing I think voters see in Starmer is a man who could be prime minister .
They never thought that for a second about Jeremy Corbyn , they never thought that for a second about Ed Miliband .
`` What they 're seeing is… there 's a character there , there 's authority there , there 's credibility and now they 're starting to listen to him . ''

Sir Keir Starmer is most likely to be compared to Tony Blair by voters, and is already seen as a clean break from Jeremy Corbyn, according to new polling 100 days into his leadership.
Figures provided exclusively by YouGov to Sky News give a picture of how the Labour leader is performing compared to previous party leaders.
A third of the public (33%) rated him as similar to former Labour prime minister Tony Blair - compared with only 8% finding him similar to his predecessor Jeremy Corbyn.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:30 How well is Sir Keir Starmer doing as Labour leader?
Meanwhile, 26% regarded him as significantly different to Mr Blair, compared with a massive 61% who regarded him as different to Mr Corbyn, who led Labour to its worst defeat in decades in December.
Sir Keir's time at the helm has been dominated by COVID-19, but also by swift and decisive reforms to his party's image - replacing the powerful general secretary with a more centrist figure, cracking down on antisemitism and firing his leadership rival Rebecca Long-Bailey from the shadow cabinet.
As leader, he is seen by some margin as different rather than similar to Gordon Brown and Ed Miliband. But he was more likely to be compared even to former Conservative prime ministers David Cameron and Theresa May than Mr Corbyn.
Some 40% of voters are yet to make their mind up about him, according to the poll, and YouGov's research manager Chris Curtis said: "The British people are still getting to know Keir Starmer, but there have been a few things that have stood out to them so far.
"Despite having to run to the left in the leadership election, the public think he is now moving the party to the right and is a very different leader to Jeremy Corbyn."
Sir Keir's personal approval ratings have overtaken Boris Johnson's but he has made clear that the Labour Party faces a huge electoral challenge in the so-called Red Wall seats in the North and Midlands, which turned to the Conservatives, many for the first time.
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His party is also behind the Conservatives in convincing voters with its economic policies and is currently embroiled in an internal row about whether to consider wealth taxes.
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One of his shadow ministers told Sky News that, compared with the position in December, "where we are today with Keir is beyond most of our wildest dreams" but the leader had inherited "huge problems" not of his own making - most imminently Scottish Parliament elections next spring in which the party could lose more ground.
"The Scottish Labour Party appears to have no plan at all, then there's the unions where we now have three different general secretary elections coming up and a Labour brand which is heavily tarnished in the electorate's eyes, plus a party machine in very poor condition," the source said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:43 'Come clean' on testing, Starmer tells government
Another senior figure in his team said the biggest challenges were professionalising the party's operation and "building an effective message and programme that contrasts powerfully with the Tories" which will both take time.
Mr Blair's former adviser John McTernan said it was "brilliant news" for Sir Keir to be compared to Labour's most electorally successful former leader.
He said: "I think there are similarities [with Blair]: north London, lawyers, a confidence about themselves… but the real thing I think voters see in Starmer is a man who could be prime minister. They never thought that for a second about Jeremy Corbyn, they never thought that for a second about Ed Miliband.
"What they're seeing is… there's a character there, there's authority there, there's credibility and now they're starting to listen to him."


skynewspolitics--2020-07-12--100 days of Keir Starmer: Labour leader 'completely focused on Number 10'

Sir Keir has pinned down Boris Johnson on missing detail at the despatch box He became leader during lockdown and Sir Keir Starmer 's poll ratings have risen significantly in the 100 days since .
But can that honeymoon last ?
The COVID-19 crisis has showcased the Labour leader 's skills as a lawyer : pinning Boris Johnson down on detail at Prime Minister 's Questions , arguing the UK government was `` slow into lockdown , slow on testing , slow on tracing '' .
Behind the scenes , Sir Keir has demonstrated ruthlessness in wresting control of Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the party 's general secretary with his own pick , and ridding the shadow cabinet of key Corbynites .
His sacking of left-wing leadership rival Rebecca Long-Bailey in an antisemitism row not only showed he 's serious about repairing relations with the Jewish community , but also sent a strong message to his MPs that discipline is vital .
The Labour leader has also been careful in his response to sensitive issues like the Black Lives Matter protests , the debate over scrapping contentious statues , and criticism of the police , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ His team are all too aware that to win the next election , Labour need to rebuild their reputation as a patriotic party , strong on issues like defence and national security .
`` I think the public generally view Keir Starmer as somebody who 's a bit dull but very competent , '' argues Pippa Crerar , political editor of the Daily Mirror .
`` And I can actually think of worse things for oppositions to be . ''
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some in government are confident that in the coming years Sir Keir will be unable to match Boris Johnson 's skills as a charismatic campaigner or be willing to argue against the PM 's central policy agenda : investing in infrastructure in the Midlands and north of England .
As Number 10 's focus shifts to the economic recovery and that `` levelling up '' agenda , Labour is already under pressure on policy .
Andrew Fisher wrote the party 's 2017 and 2019 election manifestos and says that with unemployment rising sharply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there is room for radicalism .
`` Now the Labour Party is critiquing what the government is doing - rightly - it needs to set out what should be done instead , '' he said .
One hundred days in , it is unclear if Keir Starmer is best compared to Neil Kinnock or Tony Blair , two of his predecessors who reformed Labour but with varying degrees of electoral success .
He will need to secure a significant electoral recovery if he is to relieve Boris Johnson of his parliamentary majority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That would require the continued collapse of the Liberal Democrats as well as the stitching together of a broad electoral coalition : winning back not just `` red wall '' constituencies , but also middle income seats like Colchester and Ipswich .
And `` events '' - as Harold Macmillan famously argued - could get in his way .
Just as Boris Johnson could never have expected a global pandemic , Keir Starmer will surely have to handle his own crises in the years ahead .
One thing is clear from his first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ completely focused on becoming Prime Minister .
Jeremy Corbyn was regularly asked if he actually wanted the job .
With Starmer , there is no need to ask .
Sir Keir 's only option now is to play the long game .

Sir Keir has been clear on antisemitism, Black Lives Matter and coronavirus, but will he take seats from the Tories?
Sir Keir has pinned down Boris Johnson on missing detail at the despatch box
He became leader during lockdown and Sir Keir Starmer's poll ratings have risen significantly in the 100 days since. But can that honeymoon last?
The COVID-19 crisis has showcased the Labour leader's skills as a lawyer: pinning Boris Johnson down on detail at Prime Minister's Questions, arguing the UK government was "slow into lockdown, slow on testing, slow on tracing".
Behind the scenes, Sir Keir has demonstrated ruthlessness in wresting control of Labour's influential National Executive Committee, replacing the party's general secretary with his own pick, and ridding the shadow cabinet of key Corbynites.
His sacking of left-wing leadership rival Rebecca Long-Bailey in an antisemitism row not only showed he's serious about repairing relations with the Jewish community, but also sent a strong message to his MPs that discipline is vital.
The Labour leader has also been careful in his response to sensitive issues like the Black Lives Matter protests, the debate over scrapping contentious statues, and criticism of the police, to the frustration of some Labour MPs.
His team are all too aware that to win the next election, Labour need to rebuild their reputation as a patriotic party, strong on issues like defence and national security.
"I think the public generally view Keir Starmer as somebody who's a bit dull but very competent," argues Pippa Crerar, political editor of the Daily Mirror.
"And I can actually think of worse things for oppositions to be."
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Yet some in government are confident that in the coming years Sir Keir will be unable to match Boris Johnson's skills as a charismatic campaigner or be willing to argue against the PM's central policy agenda: investing in infrastructure in the Midlands and north of England.
As Number 10's focus shifts to the economic recovery and that "levelling up" agenda, Labour is already under pressure on policy.
Andrew Fisher wrote the party's 2017 and 2019 election manifestos and says that with unemployment rising sharply and the chancellor announcing unprecedented economic interventions, there is room for radicalism.
"Now the Labour Party is critiquing what the government is doing - rightly - it needs to set out what should be done instead," he said.
Image: The Labour leader and Angela Rayner took a knee in support of the Black Lives Matter protests
One hundred days in, it is unclear if Keir Starmer is best compared to Neil Kinnock or Tony Blair, two of his predecessors who reformed Labour but with varying degrees of electoral success.
He will need to secure a significant electoral recovery if he is to relieve Boris Johnson of his parliamentary majority, let alone reach Number 10.
That would require the continued collapse of the Liberal Democrats as well as the stitching together of a broad electoral coalition: winning back not just "red wall" constituencies, but also middle income seats like Colchester and Ipswich.
And "events" - as Harold Macmillan famously argued - could get in his way. Just as Boris Johnson could never have expected a global pandemic, Keir Starmer will surely have to handle his own crises in the years ahead.
Image: Sir Keir was quick to sack leadership rival Rebecca Long-Bailey (centre, with Lisa Nandy MP left)
One thing is clear from his first 100 days: the Labour leader is completely focused on becoming Prime Minister.
Jeremy Corbyn was regularly asked if he actually wanted the job. With Starmer, there is no need to ask.
Sir Keir's only option now is to play the long game.


skynewspolitics--2020-07-11--UK 'needs to urgently review nuclear contracts with China'

Hinkley Point C remains under construction but Bradwell B would give China the largest hold on the UK 's nuclear energy industry Iain Duncan Smith has said the UK should learn from what happened in the 1930s when it comes to present day China - and the government should review its contracts in the strategic nuclear sector and other areas of national security .
The former leader of the Conservative party said the UK needs to urgently look at its relationship with Beijing as China is not a `` trusted vendor '' .
He claimed Chinese dominance is now a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needs to be very cautious .
Mr Duncan Smith , who remains a leading Conservative , told Sky News : `` If you think you can turn a blind eye to a country 's appalling treatment of both the people in its own home territory and its aggression abroad then you buy what we learnt years ago - a problem which is bigger and bigger as the years go by .
`` We learnt this back in the 1930s , we have to think again now we are facing a very similar problem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nuclear sector began during David Cameron 's time as prime minister .
That embrace of Beijing now seems naive to many people .
Since then , the political temperature has cooled rapidly in light of the increasingly authoritarian direction of the ruling communist party .
Accusations of a cover up over the COVID-19 crisis , the crackdown in Hong Kong and security concerns over China 's involvement in Britain 's 5G network are creating a febrile atmosphere .
Professor Anthony Glees , an expert in national security and intelligence , said China has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most powerful economic and military power in the world and Britain is walking a dangerous path .
He said : `` Nuclear energy is built to provide 25 % of our energy requirements for the decades to come , so 25 % is a lot of energy and that needs to be controlled entirely by British scientists , British technology , British software .
`` And the British government needs to be sure that no foreign power - in this case China - has the ability to turn the thing off , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think people just need to ask themselves a somewhat simplistic question , but it makes the point .
`` Would the Chinese let Britain build a nuclear power station in China ? ''
It is , of course , a rhetorical device and requires no answer .
China 's investment in the UK 's nuclear sector is at the moment primarily financial , but its ambition is far greater than that .
State-owned China General Nuclear UK ( CGN UK ) is a minority stakeholder in the Hinkley Point C power station in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Sizewell C in Suffolk .
Both are in partnership with the French company EDF .
But the big prize is Bradwell B in Essex .
If it eventually designs and builds a nuclear reactor on the site , as planned , it would be an enormous achievement and it would be a way of showcasing Chinese nuclear technology to the rest of the world .
There is , though , another side to this ; the UK , dealing with a twin Brexit/COVID crisis , needs investment - and China is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dr Yu Jie , senior research fellow on China at Chatham House , said the UK should be careful about sending out mixed messages .
She said : `` I think at the moment there seems to be a lot of inconsistency happening with the UK government .
`` On the one hand we hear rhetoric about a so-called 'golden era ' welcoming the Chinese investment whilst on the other hand you have Tory backbenchers and the China Research Group scrutinising the Chinese investment , so I think there 's kind of mixed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exactly who 's representing the United Kingdom . ''
In a statement CGN said it had already invested more than £3.8bn in the UK economy and had helped create many thousands of jobs .
It went on to say that it was proud of its work supporting the UK economy and the government 's goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050 .
A spokesman from the Department for Business , Energy and Industrial Strategy said : `` Nuclear power has an important role to play in the UK 's low-carbon energy future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK are conducted under robust and independent regulation to ensure that the UK 's interests are protected . ''

The former Conservative leader said Chinese dominance is now a threat to the free world and Beijing cannot be trusted.
Hinkley Point C remains under construction but Bradwell B would give China the largest hold on the UK's nuclear energy industry
Iain Duncan Smith has said the UK should learn from what happened in the 1930s when it comes to present day China - and the government should review its contracts in the strategic nuclear sector and other areas of national security.
The former leader of the Conservative party said the UK needs to urgently look at its relationship with Beijing as China is not a "trusted vendor".
He claimed Chinese dominance is now a threat to the free world and Britain needs to be very cautious.
Image: Iain Duncan Smith warned the UK needs to urgently look at its relationship with China
Sir Iain, who remains a leading Conservative, told Sky News: "If you think you can turn a blind eye to a country's appalling treatment of both the people in its own home territory and its aggression abroad then you buy what we learnt years ago - a problem which is bigger and bigger as the years go by.
"We learnt this back in the 1930s, we have to think again now we are facing a very similar problem."
Chinese involvement in Britain's nuclear sector began during David Cameron's time as prime minister.
That embrace of Beijing now seems naive to many people.
Since then, the political temperature has cooled rapidly in light of the increasingly authoritarian direction of the ruling communist party.
Accusations of a cover up over the COVID-19 crisis, the crackdown in Hong Kong and security concerns over China's involvement in Britain's 5G network are creating a febrile atmosphere.
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Image: David Cameron welcomed Xi Jinping on a state visit to the UK in 2015, but that closeness may seem naive now
Professor Anthony Glees, an expert in national security and intelligence, said China has made no secret it wants to be the most powerful economic and military power in the world and Britain is walking a dangerous path.
He said: "Nuclear energy is built to provide 25% of our energy requirements for the decades to come, so 25% is a lot of energy and that needs to be controlled entirely by British scientists, British technology, British software.
"And the British government needs to be sure that no foreign power - in this case China - has the ability to turn the thing off, to put it crudely.
"I think people just need to ask themselves a somewhat simplistic question, but it makes the point.
"Would the Chinese let Britain build a nuclear power station in China?"
It is, of course, a rhetorical device and requires no answer.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:39 'Hong Kong is no longer under colonial rule'
China's investment in the UK's nuclear sector is at the moment primarily financial, but its ambition is far greater than that.
State-owned China General Nuclear UK (CGN UK) is a minority stakeholder in the Hinkley Point C power station in Somerset, which is under construction, and Sizewell C in Suffolk.
Both are in partnership with the French company EDF.
But the big prize is Bradwell B in Essex.
Image: Chinese state-owned China General Nuclear UK is a minority stakeholder in Hinkley Point C power station
CGN UK holds the majority stake (66.5%) with EDF playing a minority role.
If it eventually designs and builds a nuclear reactor on the site, as planned, it would be an enormous achievement and it would be a way of showcasing Chinese nuclear technology to the rest of the world.
There is, though, another side to this; the UK, dealing with a twin Brexit/COVID crisis, needs investment - and China is a country you simply cannot ignore.
Dr Yu Jie, senior research fellow on China at Chatham House, said the UK should be careful about sending out mixed messages.
She said: "I think at the moment there seems to be a lot of inconsistency happening with the UK government.
"On the one hand we hear rhetoric about a so-called 'golden era' welcoming the Chinese investment whilst on the other hand you have Tory backbenchers and the China Research Group scrutinising the Chinese investment, so I think there's kind of mixed messages making the Chinese very confused about exactly who's representing the United Kingdom."
Image: Dr Yu Jie, senior research fellow on China at Chatham House, said the UK needs a clearer message when it comes to China
In a statement CGN said it had already invested more than £3.8bn in the UK economy and had helped create many thousands of jobs.
It went on to say that it was proud of its work supporting the UK economy and the government's goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
A spokesman from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy said: "Nuclear power has an important role to play in the UK's low-carbon energy future.
"All nuclear projects in the UK are conducted under robust and independent regulation to ensure that the UK's interests are protected."


skynewspolitics--2020-07-12--Face masks 'absolutely a good idea' in shops but not compulsory

Wearing face masks in shops is `` absolutely a good idea '' but it should be left to people 's judgement , a Tory cabinet minister has said as Labour backed making it obligatory .
While using coverings in enclosed spaces was being encouraged by the government in response to the coronavirus pandemic , Michael Gove said it was important `` to treat people with respect '' .
It comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson signalled they may become compulsory in shops , saying he wanted to be `` stricter '' on insisting people wear them because of the COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' Sophy Ridge On Sunday programme , Mr Gove indicated he did not think they should be mandatory .
The Cabinet Office minister said : `` I think we should do everything we can to encourage people and to support people to wear face masks in enclosed spaces , particularly in shops , and I think it will be the case that government will be able to help in that regard .
`` We 're investing in significantly increasing the capacity to manufacture face masks in the UK . ''
But Mr Gove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think it `` somehow makes then invulnerable '' .
He added : `` There are appropriate moments when a direct message to say to people 'Do n't do X ' or 'Do do Y ' is appropriate , but I also think it is quite right to treat the British people with the respect their intelligence and their judgement deserves .
`` Outside you do n't need to wear a face mask , inside , particularly in an enclosed space with poor ventilation , it is absolutely a good idea .
`` On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of the necessary benefits that it brings to others .
`` In enclosed areas like shops we encourage people to wear face masks as well .
That seems to me to be perfectly sensible advice .
`` I can understand why there may be a desire to build a binary divide ... but I think it is important to treat people with respect . ''
But Labour 's shadow business minister Lucy Powell said the opposition supported the compulsory wearing of face coverings in shops as a way of restoring confidence .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ approach , which she characterised as `` showing a bit of leg '' , and stressed the need for clarity .
The Labour frontbencher also defended why she and party leader Sir Keir Starmer had not worn masks on a recent visit to a pub and brewery , arguing it had not been a requirement of going to the venue .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge On Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Ms Powell told Ridge : `` We do need to get a lot more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the mandatory wearing of face masks in shops will help to do that then we absolutely support it .
`` We think the government , instead of just showing a bit of leg occasionally on these things by briefing newspapers or saying things that are not clear guidance in press conferences ... should get some clarity .
`` That 's really something that would get confidence back into the system and get people feeling that they can go to the shops , they can go to restaurants and go to bars . ''

Wearing face masks in shops is "absolutely a good idea" but it should be left to people's judgement, a Tory cabinet minister has said as Labour backed making it obligatory.
While using coverings in enclosed spaces was being encouraged by the government in response to the coronavirus pandemic, Michael Gove said it was important "to treat people with respect".
It comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson signalled they may become compulsory in shops, saying he wanted to be "stricter" on insisting people wear them because of the COVID-19 crisis.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:55 'We want to see more people back at work'
But speaking to Sky News' Sophy Ridge On Sunday programme, Mr Gove indicated he did not think they should be mandatory.
The Cabinet Office minister said: "I think we should do everything we can to encourage people and to support people to wear face masks in enclosed spaces, particularly in shops, and I think it will be the case that government will be able to help in that regard.
"We're investing in significantly increasing the capacity to manufacture face masks in the UK."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:54 'We need to be stricter on face coverings'
But Mr Gove warned people wearing a mask must not think it "somehow makes then invulnerable".
He added: "There are appropriate moments when a direct message to say to people 'Don't do X' or 'Do do Y' is appropriate, but I also think it is quite right to treat the British people with the respect their intelligence and their judgement deserves.
"Outside you don't need to wear a face mask, inside, particularly in an enclosed space with poor ventilation, it is absolutely a good idea.
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"On public transport you should be wearing it because of the necessary benefits that it brings to others.
"In enclosed areas like shops we encourage people to wear face masks as well. That seems to me to be perfectly sensible advice.
"I can understand why there may be a desire to build a binary divide... but I think it is important to treat people with respect."
Image: Lucy Powell has defended why she and Sir Keir Starmer did not wear masks on a recent visit
But Labour's shadow business minister Lucy Powell said the opposition supported the compulsory wearing of face coverings in shops as a way of restoring confidence.
She was critical of the government's approach, which she characterised as "showing a bit of leg", and stressed the need for clarity.
The Labour frontbencher also defended why she and party leader Sir Keir Starmer had not worn masks on a recent visit to a pub and brewery, arguing it had not been a requirement of going to the venue.
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Ms Powell told Ridge: "We do need to get a lot more confidence back in the system and if the mandatory wearing of face masks in shops will help to do that then we absolutely support it.
"We think the government, instead of just showing a bit of leg occasionally on these things by briefing newspapers or saying things that are not clear guidance in press conferences... should get some clarity.
"That's really something that would get confidence back into the system and get people feeling that they can go to the shops, they can go to restaurants and go to bars."


skynewspolitics--2020-07-12--Five things we learnt from this week's Sophy Ridge On Sunday

As Beijing 's hostilities towards Hong Kong grow , do we need to `` reset '' our relationship with China ?
And should political figures be setting an example by wearing masks when they 're out and about ?
Here are five things we learnt from this week 's Sophy Ridge On Sunday : Asked by Sophy Ridge if he could guarantee UK borders will be ready by 1 January 2021 , cabinet office minister Michael Gove simply said : `` Yes . ''
The government is spending £705m on infrastructure , staff and technology for the UK 's borders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK leaves the Brexit transition at the end of the year .
The announcement came after a leaked letter from international trade secretary Liz Truss revealed fears inside government about the readiness of ports and tariff systems in time for UK 's departure .
Asked if he 'd replied to the letter , Mr Gove said : `` I love Liz… we do n't comment on leaked documents , but Liz and I talk all the time , she is one of my bestest friends in cabinet . ''
2 .
Fire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in business As city centre businesses starved of custom start creaking and jobs are lost in worker-dependent outlets like Pret , the government has redoubled its back to work push .
In comments echoing the prime minister 's on Friday , Michael Gove said the government wanted people `` back at work , on the shop floor , in the office , wherever they can be '' .
Saying `` we want to make sure the economic engines of this country are fired up again '' , Mr Gove also elaborated on plans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ London .
After repeated reports that York might see an influx of government staff ( and potentially the entire House of Lords ) , he said the city was `` not the only place '' where civil servants might be `` re-deployed '' and confirmed that the government was looking at multiple sites in the UK .
The UK needs `` a reset of the whole of our relationship '' with China , according to Sir Richard Dearlove .
The former head of MI6 told Sophy that the Chinese government `` are important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are clearly becoming more aggressive internationally '' and were now direct rivals in many areas .
The role played in the UK 's 5G infrastructure by Chinese firm Huawei has also come under scrutiny after growing criticism of China .
Sir Richard said the company was `` not a sort of ordinary international telecommunications company , it 's an intimate part of the Chinese state '' and that reducing its involvement in the 5G network was `` good security sense '' , for all that it will prove a large technical task @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is linked to or controlled by the Chinese state , though it has been suggested new US sanctions could make it impossible for the company to continue its work on 5G .
A coronavirus vaccine could be rolled out across the UK in the first half of next year , according to the man leading Imperial College 's vaccine programme .
Professor Robin Shattock told Sophy Ridge On Sunday : `` We anticipate that if everything goes really well that we 'll get an answer as to whether it works by early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place the infrastructure to make enough vaccine for the whole of the UK . ''
He added that with adequate funding the vaccine could be rolled out across the UK `` in the first half of next year '' .
After hopes were stoked by the government of a vaccine by September , the professor said it was a `` very optimistic '' timetable , though he added that the sheer number of programmes meant there was a `` very low risk '' of no vaccine being found .
Just finding a working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our problems either , with Professor Shattock warning `` the world is going to have to look out '' for fraudsters trying to profit from fake versions of any treatment .
Labour will `` absolutely support '' the mandatory wearing of face masks in shops if it improves public confidence , Lucy Powell has said .
Challenged on Sophy Ridge On Sunday why she and Labour leader Keir Starmer did n't wear face coverings when visiting a bar this week , the shadow business minister insisted `` we followed the guidance '' but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get a lot more confidence back in the system and if mandatory wearing of face masks in shops will help to do that , then we absolutely support it . ''
UK politicians including the prime minister , chancellor and Labour leader have all been pictured in indoor public spaces without masks , despite repeated government encouragement to wear masks in settings such as shops .
A new rule may be further off than expected though after Michael Gove refused to confirm the UK government would follow Scotland 's decision to make masks @ @ @ @

As Beijing's hostilities towards Hong Kong grow, do we need to "reset" our relationship with China? And should political figures be setting an example by wearing masks when they're out and about?
Here are five things we learnt from this week's Sophy Ridge On Sunday:
1. Brexit, borders and 'bestest friends'
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Asked by Sophy Ridge if he could guarantee UK borders will be ready by 1 January 2021, cabinet office minister Michael Gove simply said: "Yes."
The government is spending £705m on infrastructure, staff and technology for the UK's borders, pledging they'll be ready before the UK leaves the Brexit transition at the end of the year.
The announcement came after a leaked letter from international trade secretary Liz Truss revealed fears inside government about the readiness of ports and tariff systems in time for UK's departure.
Asked if he'd replied to the letter, Mr Gove said: "I love Liz… we don't comment on leaked documents, but Liz and I talk all the time, she is one of my bestest friends in cabinet."
2. Fire up the engines, we're back in business
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As city centre businesses starved of custom start creaking and jobs are lost in worker-dependent outlets like Pret, the government has redoubled its back to work push.
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In comments echoing the prime minister's on Friday, Michael Gove said the government wanted people "back at work, on the shop floor, in the office, wherever they can be".
Saying "we want to make sure the economic engines of this country are fired up again", Mr Gove also elaborated on plans to move civil service jobs out of London.
After repeated reports that York might see an influx of government staff (and potentially the entire House of Lords), he said the city was "not the only place" where civil servants might be "re-deployed" and confirmed that the government was looking at multiple sites in the UK.
3. A reset with China
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The UK needs "a reset of the whole of our relationship" with China, according to Sir Richard Dearlove.
The former head of MI6 told Sophy that the Chinese government "are important trading partners but at the same time they are clearly becoming more aggressive internationally" and were now direct rivals in many areas.
The role played in the UK's 5G infrastructure by Chinese firm Huawei has also come under scrutiny after growing criticism of China.
Sir Richard said the company was "not a sort of ordinary international telecommunications company, it's an intimate part of the Chinese state" and that reducing its involvement in the 5G network was "good security sense", for all that it will prove a large technical task.
Huawei has denied all claims that it is linked to or controlled by the Chinese state, though it has been suggested new US sanctions could make it impossible for the company to continue its work on 5G.
4. A coronavirus vaccine by early next year
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A coronavirus vaccine could be rolled out across the UK in the first half of next year, according to the man leading Imperial College's vaccine programme.
Professor Robin Shattock told Sophy Ridge On Sunday: "We anticipate that if everything goes really well that we'll get an answer as to whether it works by early next year and we have put in place the infrastructure to make enough vaccine for the whole of the UK." He added that with adequate funding the vaccine could be rolled out across the UK "in the first half of next year".
After hopes were stoked by the government of a vaccine by September, the professor said it was a "very optimistic" timetable, though he added that the sheer number of programmes meant there was a "very low risk" of no vaccine being found.
Just finding a working vaccine may not be the end of our problems either, with Professor Shattock warning "the world is going to have to look out" for fraudsters trying to profit from fake versions of any treatment.
5. Labour support mandatory face masks
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Labour will "absolutely support" the mandatory wearing of face masks in shops if it improves public confidence, Lucy Powell has said.
Challenged on Sophy Ridge On Sunday why she and Labour leader Keir Starmer didn't wear face coverings when visiting a bar this week, the shadow business minister insisted "we followed the guidance" but said: "We do need to get a lot more confidence back in the system and if mandatory wearing of face masks in shops will help to do that, then we absolutely support it."
UK politicians including the prime minister, chancellor and Labour leader have all been pictured in indoor public spaces without masks, despite repeated government encouragement to wear masks in settings such as shops.
A new rule may be further off than expected though after Michael Gove refused to confirm the UK government would follow Scotland's decision to make masks mandatory in shops.


skynewspolitics--2020-07-12--Ireland quarantine remains in force for British holidaymakers

British holidaymakers travelling to Ireland will continue to be subject to quarantine as the Dublin government seeks to avoid a second spike of the coronavirus .
Irish prime minister Micheal Martin said the requirement to self-isolate for 14 days on arrival remained in place due to the `` international volatility '' of the COVID-19 pandemic .
The taoiseach said tackling coronavirus was `` key '' and highlighted continuing difficulties being experienced in parts of the UK , including the local lockdown in Leicester .
He made his comments as Nicola Sturgeon has said she would not shy away from taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visitors to Scotland , but insisted it would not be a decision she took lightly .
Around three million Britons a year visit Ireland , which is exempt from England 's coronavirus travel quarantine rules .
Mr Martin said the advice from his government to its citizens was to avoid any non-essential travel as they sought to reopen schools next month .
He said his administration will discuss international travel further this week , including whether to strengthen resources at airports .
`` We would be very cautious on international travel generally , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ July we will announce our measures in relation to international travel and essentially we have developed a methodology somewhat similar to the European Union and its relation with third countries ; essentially , the methodology will be in relation to the level of the disease in particular countries , including the UK , countries that are at Ireland 's level or below .
`` In terms of people coming in to Ireland , the advisory and the quarantining still remains and it 's under constant review .
`` Why ?
Because there 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus , we 've seen a spike in numbers .
We 're very concerned about that . ''
Speaking on the BBC 's Andrew Marr Show , Mr Martin emphasised his government wants to take a cautious approach .
`` The suppression of the virus is key .
We 've watched reports where , in certain parts of the UK , there are still difficulties where certain areas had to go into lockdown and so on , and further severe restrictions , '' he said .
He described doing `` everything we possibly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the virus in the Irish Republic where the reproductive rate of COVID-19 was found to have increased to one last week .
`` Clearly the agenda for government is very much dominated by the continued prevalence of the virus and we 're watching very carefully what is happening across Europe in terms of spikes and in terms of experiences of other member states who have opened up earlier than we have , '' he added .
So far , Ireland has recorded a total of 1,746 coronavirus-related deaths , with the overall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : : Listen to Sophy Ridge On Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Meanwhile , Scotland 's first minister has said the UK nations needed to work together on outbreak management in a way that `` mitigates against having to put any border restrictions in place '' .
Ms Sturgeon said she was not `` immediately planning '' to implement a quarantine policy but will `` take decisions the best I can to protect the health of Scotland and to take that absolutely from a public health perspective @ @

British holidaymakers travelling to Ireland will continue to be subject to quarantine as the Dublin government seeks to avoid a second spike of the coronavirus.
Irish prime minister Micheal Martin said the requirement to self-isolate for 14 days on arrival remained in place due to the "international volatility" of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The taoiseach said tackling coronavirus was "key" and highlighted continuing difficulties being experienced in parts of the UK, including the local lockdown in Leicester.
Image: Micheal Martin made reference to the lockdown in Leicester
He made his comments as Nicola Sturgeon has said she would not shy away from taking a decision to impose quarantine on English visitors to Scotland, but insisted it would not be a decision she took lightly.
Around three million Britons a year visit Ireland, which is exempt from England's coronavirus travel quarantine rules.
Mr Martin said the advice from his government to its citizens was to avoid any non-essential travel as they sought to reopen schools next month.
He said his administration will discuss international travel further this week, including whether to strengthen resources at airports.
"We would be very cautious on international travel generally," he said.
"On 20 July we will announce our measures in relation to international travel and essentially we have developed a methodology somewhat similar to the European Union and its relation with third countries; essentially, the methodology will be in relation to the level of the disease in particular countries, including the UK, countries that are at Ireland's level or below.
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"In terms of people coming in to Ireland, the advisory and the quarantining still remains and it's under constant review.
"Why? Because there's a lot of international volatility with this virus, we've seen a spike in numbers. We're very concerned about that."
Image: Nicola Sturgeon has said she would not shy away from imposing a quarantine
Speaking on the BBC's Andrew Marr Show, Mr Martin emphasised his government wants to take a cautious approach.
"The suppression of the virus is key. We've watched reports where, in certain parts of the UK, there are still difficulties where certain areas had to go into lockdown and so on, and further severe restrictions," he said.
He described doing "everything we possibly can" to avoid a second spike of the virus in the Irish Republic where the reproductive rate of COVID-19 was found to have increased to one last week.
"Clearly the agenda for government is very much dominated by the continued prevalence of the virus and we're watching very carefully what is happening across Europe in terms of spikes and in terms of experiences of other member states who have opened up earlier than we have," he added.
So far, Ireland has recorded a total of 1,746 coronavirus-related deaths, with the overall number of COVID-19 cases standing at 25,611.
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Meanwhile, Scotland's first minister has said the UK nations needed to work together on outbreak management in a way that "mitigates against having to put any border restrictions in place".
Ms Sturgeon said she was not "immediately planning" to implement a quarantine policy but will "take decisions the best I can to protect the health of Scotland and to take that absolutely from a public health perspective."


skynewspolitics--2020-07-13--Care workers don't qualify for new NHS visa in post-Brexit immigration plans

Social care workers do not qualify for the government 's new health and care visa under the UK 's post-Brexit immigration system , Downing Street has confirmed .
Home Secretary Priti Patel has unveiled details of how the UK 's new points-based system will operate when it comes into effect on 1 January next year , after EU freedom of movement rules end .
A health and care visa will provide a route for key health professionals to work in the UK .
However , this will not include social care workers , Number 10 revealed .
The prime minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employers to `` invest more in training and development for care workers in this country '' .
He said : `` On care workers specifically , our independent migration advisers have said that immigration is not the sole answer here , which is why we have provided councils with an additional £1.5bn of funding for social care in 2021-22 , as well as launching a new recruitment campaign . ''
Existing EU workers in the care sector could apply to stay in the UK through the settlement scheme `` and a very large @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokesman added .
`` Those people will remain in the UK providing really important care to the elderly and the vulnerable . ''
Speaking during a visit to London Ambulance Service on Monday , Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the UK will have a `` humane and sensible '' immigration system after the Brexit transition period ends on 31 December .
`` Although of course we are going to be taking back control and we are controlling our immigration system we 're not going to be simply slamming the gates and stopping anybody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
Asked if he thinks there will be enough people to coming into the country to work in the social care system , Mr Johnson replied : `` I do .
`` Do n't forget , one of the amazing things we 've seen in the last few months is actually there are more EU nationals , I 'm proud to say , living and working in this country than we even thought .
`` We 're seeing huge numbers of people registering for their right to remain and that 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big stock of workers who are helping out in this country who have come from abroad . ''
But the failure to include care workers in the new NHS visa was criticised in the wake of the coronavirus crisis .
Caroline Abrahams , the charity director of Age UK , described the move as `` patently the wrong decision '' .
`` Reforming and refinancing care will take time , if it happens at all , so the prudent approach would be to keep the door open to EU-based social care staff at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' she posted on Twitter .
Labour 's shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds asked : `` What does this government have against care workers ?
`` The latest papers on the proposed immigration system confirm that the Tories do not consider carers as skilled workers .
`` Have they learned nothing from this crisis ?
We will be seeking urgent clarification on this . ''
Rehana Azam , national secretary of the GMB union , said the new immigration rules were `` descending into an embarrassing shambles and makes no consideration or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been doing these past few months '' .
She added : `` Who will keep our hospitals running and our care home going when ministers pull up the drawbridge ?
`` At a time when care is facing its greatest ever crisis , and with care homes reliant on hundreds of thousands of workers from outside Europe and facing staffing shortfalls , ministers are cutting off their noses to spite their faces . ''
Liberal Democrat leadership candidate Layla Moran said : `` How can Boris Johnson clap for carers one day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the next ?
`` It is disgraceful that those risking their lives each day helping vulnerable people during this pandemic are being told they 're not skilled enough to qualify for a visa . ''
The government 's immigration plans also include provisions to ban foreign criminals sentenced to more than a year in jail from entering the UK .
The change means criminals from the EU would be treated the same as currently happens to those from non-EU countries .

Social care workers do not qualify for the government's new health and care visa under the UK's post-Brexit immigration system, Downing Street has confirmed.
Home Secretary Priti Patel has unveiled details of how the UK's new points-based system will operate when it comes into effect on 1 January next year, after EU freedom of movement rules end.
A health and care visa will provide a route for key health professionals to work in the UK.
However, this will not include social care workers, Number 10 revealed.
Image: The government is putting in place a new points-based immigration system
The prime minister's official spokesman said the government wants employers to "invest more in training and development for care workers in this country".
He said: "On care workers specifically, our independent migration advisers have said that immigration is not the sole answer here, which is why we have provided councils with an additional £1.5bn of funding for social care in 2021-22, as well as launching a new recruitment campaign."
The department for health and social care later clarified the money is in fact for 2020/21.
Existing EU workers in the care sector could apply to stay in the UK through the settlement scheme "and a very large number have done so", Mr Johnson spokesman added in a briefing to journalists.
"Those people will remain in the UK providing really important care to the elderly and the vulnerable."
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Speaking during a visit to the London Ambulance Service on Monday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the UK will have a "humane and sensible" immigration system after the Brexit transition period ends on 31 December.
"Although of course we are going to be taking back control and we are controlling our immigration system we're not going to be simply slamming the gates and stopping anybody anywhere coming into this country," he said.
Asked if he thinks there will be enough people coming into the country to work in the social care system, Mr Johnson replied: "I do.
"Don't forget, one of the amazing things we've seen in the last few months is actually there are more EU nationals, I'm proud to say, living and working in this country than we even thought.
"We're seeing huge numbers of people registering for their right to remain and that's great so we have a big, big stock of workers who are helping out in this country who have come from abroad."
Image: Boris Johnson said the UK would have a 'humane and sensible' immigration system
People who want to live and work in the UK will need to gain 70 points to be eligible to apply for a visa under the government's new system.
Points will be awarded for key requirements such as being able to speak English to a certain level, having a job offer from an approved employer, and meeting a minimum salary threshold.
The health and care visa has been designed to provide "fast-track" entry for those with a job offer from the NHS.
The failure to include care workers in the list of professions eligible for the new NHS visa was criticised in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.
Caroline Abrahams, the charity director of Age UK, described the move as "patently the wrong decision".
"Reforming and refinancing care will take time, if it happens at all, so the prudent approach would be to keep the door open to EU-based social care staff at all levels for 3-5 years at least," she posted on Twitter.
The prime minister recently came under fire for claiming "too many" in the sector "didn't really follow the procedures" during the coronavirus crisis.
And Labour's shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds asked: "What does this government have against care workers?
"The latest papers on the proposed immigration system confirm that the Tories do not consider carers as skilled workers.
"Have they learned nothing from this crisis?"
Mr Thomas-Symonds later quizzed Ms Patel on the issue in the House of Commons, although the home secretary left it to her immigration minister Kevin Foster to respond.
"Senior care workers will qualify under the new points-based system," Mr Foster told MPs.
"People will look at what's happened over the last few months and think that, surely, the vision for the social care sector is not to carry on looking abroad to recruit at or near the minumum wage when we need to prioritise jobs in this country."
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Mr Thomas-Symonds highlighted how there were more than 100,000 vacancies in the social care sector in England alone.
But Mr Foster said the economic crisis as a result of the coronavirus pandemic had left many Britons out of work as he dismissed claims of a labour shortage.
Dame Donna Kinnair, chief executive of the Royal College of Nursing, said: "The government is ignoring our concern that we need an appropriate immigration route for social care workers.
"Arbitrary salary thresholds will prevent key workers from working in the UK, which will directly impact patient care."
Rehana Azam, national secretary of the GMB union, said the new immigration rules were "descending into an embarrassing shambles and makes no consideration or acknowledgement of the vital job care workers have been doing these past few months".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 12:20 Special report: The NHS - catastrophe brings change
Liberal Democrat leadership candidate Layla Moran said: "How can Boris Johnson clap for carers one day then refuse to give them a visa the next?"
The government's immigration plans also include provisions to ban foreign criminals sentenced to more than a year in jail from entering the UK.
The change means criminals from the EU would be treated the same as currently happens to those from non-EU countries.


skynewspolitics--2020-07-13--Britons 'should be wearing face masks in shops', says Boris Johnson

Britons should be wearing masks in shops , with face coverings offering a `` great deal of value '' in controlling the spread of coronavirus , Boris Johnson has said .
The government has been criticised for offering mixed messages on face coverings , with it mandatory to wear one on public transport in England but not in shops .
But the prime minister on Monday signalled the guidance could change this week after he admitted there had been `` growing '' evidence of their importance during the COVID-19 pandemic .
He said : `` What we 've said for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think masks have a great deal of value - obviously they 're mandatory on public transport , on the Tube - but they have a great deal of value in confined spaces , where you 're coming into contact with people you do n't normally meet .
`` What 's been interesting on the face coverings issue in the last few months is the scientific evaluation of face coverings and their importance in stopping aerosol droplets , that 's been growing .
`` So , I do think that in shops it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , if you 're going to be in a confined space and you want to protect other people and to receive protection in turn .
`` Yes , face coverings , I think , people should be wearing in shops .
`` And , in terms of how we do that , whether we make it mandatory or not , we will be looking at the guidance , we 'll be saying a little bit more in the next few days . ''
Mr Johnson added that the government would be looking at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be introduced to `` make progress '' on the wearing of face masks .
He described the wearing of a face covering as an `` extra insurance that we can all use to stop it [ coronavirus ] coming back and stop it getting out of control again '' .
Currently , official UK government guidance states that evidence around wearing a face covering suggests it `` does not protect you '' from coronavirus .
But the guidance adds : `` If you are infected but have not yet developed symptoms , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come into close contact with . ''
In England , Scotland and Northern Ireland , face coverings are mandatory when travelling on public transport .
Face coverings are also mandatory in Scottish shops , although that is not the case in England .
People in Wales will have to wear a face covering on public transport - as well as taxis - from 27 July , First Minister Mark Drakeford announced on Monday .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Health Secretary Matt Hancock on Monday to call for urgent clarity on the wearing of face masks in public places .
`` The confusion around the use of face coverings and whether they will become mandatory needs to be addressed through a statement from ministers as a matter of priority , '' he wrote .
Mr Ashworth added : `` Conflicting advice and conflicting statements from the government only hinder our fight against the virus .
`` Clear communication is vital in combating the spread of COVID-19 .
`` For the public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right thing in shops , restaurants and other crowded places , I am asking that you urgently set out the position on face coverings . ''
Meanwhile , former Conservative chancellor George Osborne used a column in his Evening Standard newspaper to highlight the low levels of face mask-wearing in the UK compared with other countries .
`` That 's not because we 're more stupid or more libertarian , '' Mr Osborne wrote .
`` On the contrary , we were all paying attention and doing what we were told - by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in March that wearing a mask made no difference .
`` Four months later we 're being told that we should wear a mask .
But there 's been no attempt to explain why the instructions have changed .
`` No minister or scientist has had the courtesy to say 'we got that one wrong ' . ''

Britons should be wearing masks in shops, with face coverings offering a "great deal of value" in controlling the spread of coronavirus, Boris Johnson has said.
The government has been criticised for offering mixed messages on face coverings, with it mandatory to wear one on public transport in England but not in shops.
But the prime minister on Monday signalled the guidance could change this week after he admitted there had been "growing" evidence of their importance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:10 PM 'bumps elbows' with emergency workers
He said: "What we've said for a while now is that we do think masks have a great deal of value - obviously they're mandatory on public transport, on the Tube - but they have a great deal of value in confined spaces, where you're coming into contact with people you don't normally meet.
"What's been interesting on the face coverings issue in the last few months is the scientific evaluation of face coverings and their importance in stopping aerosol droplets, that's been growing.
"So, I do think that in shops it is very important to wear a face covering, if you're going to be in a confined space and you want to protect other people and to receive protection in turn.
"Yes, face coverings, I think, people should be wearing in shops.
"And, in terms of how we do that, whether we make it mandatory or not, we will be looking at the guidance, we'll be saying a little bit more in the next few days."
Mr Johnson added that the government would be looking at "what tools of enforcement" might be introduced to "make progress" on the wearing of face masks.
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He described the wearing of a face covering as an "extra insurance that we can all use to stop it [coronavirus] coming back and stop it getting out of control again".
Image: The PM described face masks as an 'extra insurance' in controlling the spread of COVID-19
Currently, official UK government guidance states that evidence around wearing a face covering suggests it "does not protect you" from coronavirus.
But the guidance adds: "If you are infected but have not yet developed symptoms, it may provide some protection for others you come into close contact with."
In England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, face coverings are mandatory when travelling on public transport.
Face coverings are also mandatory in Scottish shops, although that is not the case in England.
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People in Wales will have to wear a face covering on public transport - as well as taxis - from 27 July, First Minister Mark Drakeford announced on Monday.
Labour's shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth wrote to Health Secretary Matt Hancock on Monday to call for urgent clarity on the wearing of face masks in public places.
"The confusion around the use of face coverings and whether they will become mandatory needs to be addressed through a statement from ministers as a matter of priority," he wrote.
Mr Ashworth added: "Conflicting advice and conflicting statements from the government only hinder our fight against the virus.
"Clear communication is vital in combating the spread of COVID-19.
"For the public to know that they are doing the right thing in shops, restaurants and other crowded places, I am asking that you urgently set out the position on face coverings."
Meanwhile, former Conservative chancellor George Osborne used a column in his Evening Standard newspaper to highlight the low levels of face mask-wearing in the UK compared with other countries.
"That's not because we're more stupid or more libertarian," Mr Osborne wrote.
"On the contrary, we were all paying attention and doing what we were told - by ministers and scientific advisers, who said in March that wearing a mask made no difference.
"Four months later we're being told that we should wear a mask. But there's been no attempt to explain why the instructions have changed.
"No minister or scientist has had the courtesy to say 'we got that one wrong'."


skynewspolitics--2020-07-13--'People still learning how to use face coverings' after Home Sec wears one outside but not indoors

A cabinet minister has claimed `` people are still learning how to use face coverings '' after the home secretary was pictured wearing a mask when meeting her French counterpart outside - but not wearing one when they spoke indoors .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson last week served notice that tougher rules on wearing face masks could be on the way .
Currently , official UK government guidance states that evidence around wearing a face covering suggests it `` does not protect you '' from coronavirus .
But the guidance adds : `` If you are infected but have not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some protection for others you come into close contact with . ''
In England , Scotland and Northern Ireland , face coverings are mandatory when travelling on public transport .
Face coverings are also mandatory in Scottish shops , although that is not the case in England .
People in Wales are being asked to wear face coverings where social distancing is not possible , but they have not been made mandatory .
Asked on Sky News ' Kay Burley @ Breakfast show when he himself wears a face mask , Justice Secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a face mask in an enclosed space if I 'm going somewhere I 've not been before .
`` So that might be a small shop or it might be somewhere like a pharmacy .
I carry one with me .
`` I think it 's important I do my bit to not only prevent inadvertent transmission but , also , to reassure other people that the space they are in is as safe as possible . ''
On Sunday , Priti Patel met French interior minister Gerald Darmanin in Calais for talks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home secretary was pictured greeting Mr Darmanin in a mask on her arrival , but she was n't wearing one when they spoke inside .
She was later pictured wearing a mask inside during a larger meeting of UK and French ministers and officials .
Asked whether Ms Patel had presented a confusing message on mask-wearing , Mr Buckland said : `` I think people are still learning how to use face coverings .
`` Other countries , we have seen , have habitual use of them and people are very , very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The justice secretary added : `` If I was going to the corner shop very near here , where I go , I think slapping a face covering on is a sensible and safe thing to do . ''
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The government has been criticised for offering mixed messages on face coverings , but Mr Buckland stressed `` people need to be trusted to come to their own judgements '' .
`` I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is something politicians underestimate at their peril , '' he said .
Mr Buckland added : `` The point that I 'm making is that it 's important we give as much confidence to those people who have yet to venture out , because there are a number of people who still feel unsure .
`` Let 's not forget we 've got a large number of people who are shielding .
The shield finishes at the end of the month .
`` I want to make sure people in that category feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go into their local shop… and feel that other people are being courteous and giving them as much of a safe space as possible . ''

A cabinet minister has claimed "people are still learning how to use face coverings" after the home secretary was pictured wearing a mask when meeting her French counterpart outside - but not wearing one when they spoke indoors.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson last week served notice that tougher rules on wearing face masks could be on the way.
Currently, official UK government guidance states that evidence around wearing a face covering suggests it "does not protect you" from coronavirus.
But the guidance adds: "If you are infected but have not yet developed symptoms, it may provide some protection for others you come into close contact with."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:39 PM backs more face mask use
In England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, face coverings are mandatory when travelling on public transport.
Face coverings are also mandatory in Scottish shops, although that is not the case in England.
People in Wales are being asked to wear face coverings where social distancing is not possible, but they have not been made mandatory.
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Asked on Sky News' Kay Burley @ Breakfast show when he himself wears a face mask, Justice Secretary Robert Buckland said: "I wear a face mask in an enclosed space if I'm going somewhere I've not been before.
"So that might be a small shop or it might be somewhere like a pharmacy. I carry one with me.
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"I think it's important I do my bit to not only prevent inadvertent transmission but, also, to reassure other people that the space they are in is as safe as possible."
Image: Priti Patel did wear a mask during a larger meeting of UK and French officials
On Sunday, Priti Patel met French interior minister Gerald Darmanin in Calais for talks about migration and border security.
The home secretary was pictured greeting Mr Darmanin in a mask on her arrival, but she wasn't wearing one when they spoke inside.
She was later pictured wearing a mask inside during a larger meeting of UK and French ministers and officials.
Asked whether Ms Patel had presented a confusing message on mask-wearing, Mr Buckland said: "I think people are still learning how to use face coverings.
"Other countries, we have seen, have habitual use of them and people are very, very experienced in knowing how to use them."
The justice secretary added: "If I was going to the corner shop very near here, where I go, I think slapping a face covering on is a sensible and safe thing to do."
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The government has been criticised for offering mixed messages on face coverings, but Mr Buckland stressed "people need to be trusted to come to their own judgements".
"I think the common sense of the British people is something politicians underestimate at their peril," he said.
Image: Boris Johnson wore a face mask during a visit to the London Ambulance Service NHS Trust
Mr Buckland added: "The point that I'm making is that it's important we give as much confidence to those people who have yet to venture out, because there are a number of people who still feel unsure.
"Let's not forget we've got a large number of people who are shielding. The shield finishes at the end of the month.
"I want to make sure people in that category feel confident and safe to be able to go into their local shop… and feel that other people are being courteous and giving them as much of a safe space as possible."


skynewspolitics--2020-07-13--Fines for failing to wear a face mask in shops in England

Face coverings must be worn in shops and supermarkets in England from Friday 24 July , Boris Johnson has announced .
Enforcement will be carried out by police - not retail staff - and anyone failing to wear a face covering while shopping will be subject to a fine of up to £100 , or £50 if paid within 14 days .
The rules to tackle coronavirus will be the same as those currently applicable on public transport in England , which means children under 11 and people with certain disabilities will be exempt .
The wearing of face coverings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around 120 countries - including Germany , Spain , Italy and Greece - now require coverings to be worn in public places .
Announcing the move , a Number 10 spokesperson said : `` There is growing evidence that wearing a face covering in an enclosed space helps protect individuals and those around them from coronavirus .
`` The prime minister has been clear that people should be wearing face coverings in shops and we will make this mandatory from July 24 . ''
The decision , due to be outlined by Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday afternoon , follows four days of conflicting statements from ministers and demands from opposition MPs for clarity .
Responding to the announcement confirming mandatory face coverings , shadow health secretary Jon Ashworth said : `` The government has been slow and muddled again over face coverings .
`` Given the government 's own guidance issued on 11 May advised in favour of face masks , many will ask why yet again have ministers been slow in making a decision in this pandemic , and why it 'll take another 11 days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ force . ''
London mayor Sadiq Khan went further and called the government 's `` confused communications '' on the subject a `` disgrace '' .
`` We ca n't afford to wait another day and the government should bring this policy in immediately - further delay risks lives , '' he urged .
And the British Chambers of Commerce 's co-executive director Claire Walker said : `` Businesses need clarity on the approach to the wearing of face coverings that is consistent and supported by public health evidence .
`` Shops and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the new rules are as soon as possible .
`` Updated guidance , including on enforcement , should be issued swiftly so firms can maintain their COVID-secure status and continue their operations successfully . ''
In his most recent statement on face coverings , 12 hours before the official confirmation by Number 10 , Mr Johnson said : `` I think that as throughout this crisis people have shown amazing sensitivity towards other people and understanding of the needs to get the virus down by doing things cooperatively .
`` I think wearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a confined space what you 're doing is you 're protecting other people from the transmission that you might be giving to other people .
`` And they in turn they 're are protecting you .
It 's a mutual thing .
People do see the value of it . ''
But just one day earlier , Michael Gove suggested masks in shops should not be mandatory , saying he believed shoppers should be encouraged to wear them , but he believed in `` people 's good sense '' .
And Home Secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counterpart indoors without wearing a mask over the weekend - despite being seen wearing one speaking to him outdoors on the same day - sparking claims ministers were sending mixed messages .
Since 11 May , government guidance has advised the public to wear face coverings in enclosed public spaces , where they may come into contact with people they would not usually meet .
The use of face coverings became mandatory on public transport in England from 15 June .
Although Mr Hancock will confirm that the government guidance will be updated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in shops and supermarkets compulsory , he will say that guidance for other settings will be kept under review .
Regulations will be made under the Public Health ( Control of Disease ) Act 1984 .
While shop employees should encourage compliance , the government said retailers and businesses will not be expected to enforce the policy .

Face coverings must be worn in shops and supermarkets in England from Friday 24 July, Boris Johnson has announced.
Enforcement will be carried out by police - not retail staff - and anyone failing to wear a face covering while shopping will be subject to a fine of up to £100, or £50 if paid within 14 days.
The rules to tackle coronavirus will be the same as those currently applicable on public transport in England, which means children under 11 and people with certain disabilities will be exempt.
Image: People who flout the rule face a £100 fine
The wearing of face coverings became compulsory in Scotland last week and around 120 countries - including Germany, Spain, Italy and Greece - now require coverings to be worn in public places.
Announcing the move, a Number 10 spokesperson said: "There is growing evidence that wearing a face covering in an enclosed space helps protect individuals and those around them from coronavirus.
"The prime minister has been clear that people should be wearing face coverings in shops and we will make this mandatory from July 24."
The decision, due to be outlined by Health Secretary Matt Hancock in a Commons statement on Tuesday afternoon, follows four days of conflicting statements from ministers and demands from opposition MPs for clarity.
Responding to the announcement confirming mandatory face coverings, shadow health secretary Jon Ashworth said: "The government has been slow and muddled again over face coverings.
"Given the government's own guidance issued on 11 May advised in favour of face masks, many will ask why yet again have ministers been slow in making a decision in this pandemic, and why it'll take another 11 days before these new guidelines to come into force."
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London mayor Sadiq Khan went further and called the government's "confused communications" on the subject a "disgrace".
"We can't afford to wait another day and the government should bring this policy in immediately - further delay risks lives," he urged.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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And the British Chambers of Commerce's co-executive director Claire Walker said: "Businesses need clarity on the approach to the wearing of face coverings that is consistent and supported by public health evidence.
"Shops and other indoor businesses need to know what the new rules are as soon as possible.
"Updated guidance, including on enforcement, should be issued swiftly so firms can maintain their COVID-secure status and continue their operations successfully."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 10:19 PM: 'Important to wear face masks in shops'
In his most recent statement on face coverings, 12 hours before the official confirmation by Number 10, Mr Johnson said: "I think that as throughout this crisis people have shown amazing sensitivity towards other people and understanding of the needs to get the virus down by doing things cooperatively.
"I think wearing masks is one of them. In a confined space what you're doing is you're protecting other people from the transmission that you might be giving to other people.
"And they in turn they're are protecting you. It's a mutual thing. People do see the value of it."
But just one day earlier, Michael Gove suggested masks in shops should not be mandatory, saying he believed shoppers should be encouraged to wear them, but he believed in "people's good sense".
And Home Secretary Priti Patel was pictured meeting her French counterpart indoors without wearing a mask over the weekend - despite being seen wearing one speaking to him outdoors on the same day - sparking claims ministers were sending mixed messages.
Image: Priti Patel switched between wearing and not wearing a mask
Since 11 May, government guidance has advised the public to wear face coverings in enclosed public spaces, where they may come into contact with people they would not usually meet.
The use of face coverings became mandatory on public transport in England from 15 June.
Although Mr Hancock will confirm that the government guidance will be updated to make the wearing of face coverings in shops and supermarkets compulsory, he will say that guidance for other settings will be kept under review.
Regulations will be made under the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984. While shop employees should encourage compliance, the government said retailers and businesses will not be expected to enforce the policy.