skynewspolitics--2020-07-31--Boris Johnson's brother and Sir Ian Botham to join House of Lords

Boris Johnson 's brother Jo and England cricket hero Sir Ian Botham are to join the House of Lords .
Philip May , the husband of former prime minister Theresa May , is also being knighted for `` political service '' as part of the government 's latest honours list .
Sir Ian , who supported Brexit , is to be made a peer along with newspaper owner Evgeny Lebedev , former leader of the Scottish Conservatives Ruth Davidson , and ex-Tory chancellors Philip Hammond and Ken Clarke .
The 36-strong list features numerous former MPs who rebelled against the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kate Hoey , Ian Austin , and Gisela Stuart .
The list also confirms that former House of Commons speaker John Bercow has not been given a peerage - a break with the usual precedent but one that had been rumoured for some time given his run-ins with Downing Street .
Other notable names joining the Lords are the prime minister 's chief adviser Sir Edward Lister , head of the Institute of Ideas Claire Fox and Charles Moore , the Telegraph columnist .
The prime minister 's brother Jo quit as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an `` unresolvable tension '' between `` family loyalty and the national interest '' .
Mr Lebedev , the son of a former KGB operative , owns the Independent and Evening Standard - and has long been a friend of Mr Johnson .
The prime minister was quickly accused of cronyism by elevating his allies following the publication of the list of nominations .
The Lord Speaker , Lord Fowler , also accused Mr Johnson of `` a massive policy U-turn '' by further swelling the upper chamber 's size .
The former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lords will `` soon be nearly 830 strong '' and accused the PM of `` the abandonment of an established policy '' to reduce its size .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' It is also a vast pity that the list has been announced within the first few days of the summer recess when neither House is sitting , and the government can not be challenged in parliament , '' Lord Fowler said .
The Liberal Democrats ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , added : `` By giving a large number of his cronies peerages , he has shown that the Tories have abandoned any pretence of reducing the size of the bloated House of Lords . ''
SNP MP Pete Wishart said the move was `` the worst kind of cronyism '' , as he accused the PM of giving jobs for life to `` friends and those who have done him favours '' .
Darren Hughes , chief executive of the Electoral Reform Society , said : `` By appointing a host of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brother , the PM is inviting total derision .
That he can get away with it shows what a private members club this house is . ''

Boris Johnson's brother Jo and England cricket hero Sir Ian Botham are to join the House of Lords.
Philip May, the husband of former prime minister Theresa May, is also being knighted for "political service" as part of the government's latest honours list.
Sir Ian, who supported Brexit, is to be made a peer along with newspaper owner Evgeny Lebedev, former leader of the Scottish Conservatives Ruth Davidson, and ex-Tory chancellors Philip Hammond and Ken Clarke.
Image: Theresa May's husband Philip will be knighted for 'political service'
The 36-strong list features numerous former MPs who rebelled against the Labour position to back Brexit, including Kate Hoey, Ian Austin, and Gisela Stuart.
The list also confirms that former House of Commons speaker John Bercow has not been given a peerage - a break with the usual precedent but one that had been rumoured for some time given his run-ins with Downing Street.
Other notable names joining the Lords are the prime minister's chief adviser Sir Edward Lister, head of the Institute of Ideas Claire Fox and Charles Moore, the Telegraph columnist.
The prime minister's brother Jo quit as a minister and MP last September, citing an "unresolvable tension" between "family loyalty and the national interest".
Image: Jo Johnson is to join the House of Lords
Mr Lebedev, the son of a former KGB operative, owns the Independent and Evening Standard - and has long been a friend of Mr Johnson.
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The prime minister was quickly accused of cronyism by elevating his allies following the publication of the list of nominations.
The Lord Speaker, Lord Fowler, also accused Mr Johnson of "a massive policy U-turn" by further swelling the upper chamber's size.
The former Conservative cabinet minister said the House of Lords will "soon be nearly 830 strong" and accused the PM of "the abandonment of an established policy" to reduce its size.
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"It is also a vast pity that the list has been announced within the first few days of the summer recess when neither House is sitting, and the government cannot be challenged in parliament," Lord Fowler said.
The Liberal Democrats' leader in the Lords, Lord Newby, added: "By giving a large number of his cronies peerages, he has shown that the Tories have abandoned any pretence of reducing the size of the bloated House of Lords."
SNP MP Pete Wishart said the move was "the worst kind of cronyism", as he accused the PM of giving jobs for life to "friends and those who have done him favours".
Darren Hughes, chief executive of the Electoral Reform Society, said: "By appointing a host of ex-MPs, party loyalists and his own brother, the PM is inviting total derision. That he can get away with it shows what a private members club this house is."


skynewspolitics--2020-07-31--Shamima Begum's return to UK put on hold as case sent to Supreme Court

Shamima Begum 's return to the UK has been put on hold after the government was given permission to take the case to the Supreme Court .
Begum , now 20 , was one of three east London schoolgirls who travelled to Syria to join the Islamic State ( IS ) terror group in 2015 .
She lived under IS rule for more than three years before she was found , nine months pregnant , in a Syrian refugee camp in February last year .
Then-home secretary Sajid Javid revoked her British citizenship on national security grounds later that month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Appeal judges ruled that Ms Begum should be allowed to return to the UK to challenge the decision , saying it was `` the only way in which she can have a fair and effective appeal '' .
The judges found that `` the national security concerns about her could be addressed and managed if she returns to the United Kingdom '' .
But at a remote hearing on Friday , the government argued that the Court of Appeal wrongly concluded Ms Begum should be granted leave to enter the UK .
Lawyers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` significant national security concerns '' about Ms Begum 's potential return .
Sir James Eadie QC said : `` The public will be less well protected if Ms Begum returns than it would be if she does not return . ''
He argued that the case concerned `` an issue of real pressing public importance '' , namely what the courts should do when someone `` can not have a fair and effective hearing in a deprivation appeal , but they can not do so because ... of going abroad and aligning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ King said the case raised `` points of law of general public importance '' which should be considered by the UK 's highest court .
She said that `` clearly there must be a stay '' on Ms Begum 's potential return to the UK `` until further order by the Supreme Court '' .
The judge also granted permission for Ms Begum 's lawyers to challenge the decision that the absence of a fair and effective appeal did not mean her British citizenship should be restored , subject to the Supreme Court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms Begum was one of three schoolgirls from Bethnal Green Academy who left their homes and families to join IS in February 2015 .
In an interview with Sky News last year , she claimed she was `` just a housewife '' during her four years in IS ' self-declared caliphate , where she married a young Dutch fighter called Yago Riedijk three weeks after arriving .
She said she left Raqqa in January 2017 with her husband but her children , a one-year-old girl and a three-month-old boy , had both since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Her third child , called Jarrah , died shortly after he was born last year .
Ms Begum travelled to Syria to join IS with fellow Bethnal Green Academy pupils Kadiza Sultana - who is believed to have died - and Amira Abase , whose fate remains unknown .

Shamima Begum's return to the UK has been put on hold after the government was given permission to take the case to the Supreme Court.
Begum, now 20, was one of three east London schoolgirls who travelled to Syria to join the Islamic State (IS) terror group in 2015.
She lived under IS rule for more than three years before she was found, nine months pregnant, in a Syrian refugee camp in February last year.
Image: Shamima Begum has pleaded to be allowed to return to the UK
Then-home secretary Sajid Javid revoked her British citizenship on national security grounds later that month.
Earlier this month, Court of Appeal judges ruled that Ms Begum should be allowed to return to the UK to challenge the decision, saying it was "the only way in which she can have a fair and effective appeal".
The judges found that "the national security concerns about her could be addressed and managed if she returns to the United Kingdom".
But at a remote hearing on Friday, the government argued that the Court of Appeal wrongly concluded Ms Begum should be granted leave to enter the UK.
Lawyers for the Home Office said there were "significant national security concerns" about Ms Begum's potential return.
Sir James Eadie QC said: "The public will be less well protected if Ms Begum returns than it would be if she does not return."
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Image: Shamima Begum was 15 when she left the UK to join IS
He argued that the case concerned "an issue of real pressing public importance", namely what the courts should do when someone "cannot have a fair and effective hearing in a deprivation appeal, but they cannot do so because... of going abroad and aligning with terrorist groups".
Lady Justice King said the case raised "points of law of general public importance" which should be considered by the UK's highest court.
She said that "clearly there must be a stay" on Ms Begum's potential return to the UK "until further order by the Supreme Court".
The judge also granted permission for Ms Begum's lawyers to challenge the decision that the absence of a fair and effective appeal did not mean her British citizenship should be restored, subject to the Supreme Court accepting that part of the case.
Image: Shamima Begum pictured with Amira Abase and Kadiza Sultana at Gatwick Airport
Ms Begum was one of three schoolgirls from Bethnal Green Academy who left their homes and families to join IS in February 2015.
In an interview with Sky News last year, she claimed she was "just a housewife" during her four years in IS' self-declared caliphate, where she married a young Dutch fighter called Yago Riedijk three weeks after arriving.
She said she left Raqqa in January 2017 with her husband but her children, a one-year-old girl and a three-month-old boy, had both since died.
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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Her third child, called Jarrah, died shortly after he was born last year.
Ms Begum travelled to Syria to join IS with fellow Bethnal Green Academy pupils Kadiza Sultana - who is believed to have died - and Amira Abase, whose fate remains unknown.


skynewspolitics--2020-07-30--Scotland advises against travel to virus hotspots in North of England

Scotland has advised against travel to virus hotspots in the north of England after new restrictions were imposed in several areas .
People in Greater Manchester , East Lancashire and parts of West Yorkshire are now banned from meeting others from different households indoors , following a rise in infections .
The Scottish government said citizens should only travel to these areas if `` absolutely essential '' .
People already staying in the affected areas do not need to return to Scotland early but should monitor themselves for coronavirus symptoms .
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said : `` We have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely as we continue to suppress the virus but by responding quickly and appropriately we can limit the effect these have on wider transmission .
`` I strongly advise anyone planning to travel to areas affected in the north of England , or anyone planning to travel to Scotland from those same areas , to cancel their plans . ''
The news comes after the UK saw its highest daily total of COVID-19 cases for more than a month .
The R number has risen in England to between 0.8-0.9 , while it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the North West .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has told Sky News the new restrictions , which affect around four million people , are `` absolutely necessary '' .
• All of Greater Manchester : Bolton , Bury , Manchester , Oldham , Rochdale , Salford , Stockport , Tameside , Trafford , and Wigan • The city of Leicester , which saw the UK 's first local lockdown It means people in these areas will not be permitted to mix with other households ( apart from those in their support bubbles ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is understood there is currently no endpoint to the restrictions but they will be subject to a weekly review .
Some exemptions will be put in place , including for the vulnerable .
The government will sign new regulations to make these changes legally enforceable .
The regulations will give local authorities and police forces the powers to enforce these restrictions and more details on these will be set out when the regulations are published .
Households may go to hospitality , for instance bars and pubs , but new guidance will make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hospitality together .
Mr Hancock said `` households gathering and not abiding by the social distancing rules '' was a reason for the decision , which had been taken to `` keep the country safe '' .
Data shows that there has been less transmission in the area when people go to work or shops , he added .
`` This is not the sort of decision anybody would want to take but as we 've seen before it is important to move quickly , '' the health secretary said .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' to the Muslim community ahead of Eid celebrations , which will be heavily impacted by the new restrictions .
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer criticised the way the announcement was made , branding it a `` new low for the government 's communications '' .
`` No one would argue with putting in place local action to reduce the transmission of coronavirus , '' he tweeted .
`` But announcing measures affecting potentially millions of people late at night on Twitter is a new low for the government 's communications during this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from backbench Conservatives over the handling of the announcement , with Hazel Grove MP Will Wragg tweeting : `` Greater Manchester is not one homogeneous area .
We must always err on the side of caution with COVID-19 , but to treat all 10 boroughs the same is not the right approach . ''
Graham Brady , MP for Altrincham & Sale West , shared the post , adding : `` I agree .
Latest update for Trafford says 'infections continue to be at a low level ' . ''
Out of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate of COVID-19 in the seven days to 27 July has gone up in 13 of them , with 1,536 cases recorded in the space of a week .
Leicester 's local lockdown was imposed at the end of June , but Labour 's MPs for the area - Liz Kendall , Jonathan Ashworth and Claudia Webbe - said on Twitter that some restrictions there will now be lifted .
`` The great news is our pubs , cafes , bars & restaurants can re-open and people can go on holiday with their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` But leisure centres , gyms & pools still closed , and no meeting up with other households indoors . ''
The Department of Health later confirmed the restrictions will be eased from Monday .
Ms Webbe said Eid celebrations can take place at places of worship - provided social distancing is maintained - but not in private homes .
It has also been announced that from Saturday Luton will be brought in line with the rest of the country after `` significant progress '' .
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Greater Manchester over the last week and said the government was `` right to take quick action '' .
He said the rise in cases `` does n't just relate to multi-generational households '' but also a spike in cases amongst younger people .
Lisa Nandy , Labour 's shadow foreign secretary whose Wigan constituency is affected by the restrictions , told Sky News the government `` needs to be ready '' .
`` They need to make sure that the guidance and clarity is there when they announce , not trickling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around to schedule a press conference , '' she said .

Scotland has advised against travel to virus hotspots in the north of England after new restrictions were imposed in several areas.
People in Greater Manchester, East Lancashire and parts of West Yorkshire are now banned from meeting others from different households indoors, following a rise in infections.
The Scottish government said citizens should only travel to these areas if "absolutely essential".
People already staying in the affected areas do not need to return to Scotland early but should monitor themselves for coronavirus symptoms.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "We have always been clear that localised flare-ups are likely as we continue to suppress the virus but by responding quickly and appropriately we can limit the effect these have on wider transmission.
"I strongly advise anyone planning to travel to areas affected in the north of England, or anyone planning to travel to Scotland from those same areas, to cancel their plans."
The news comes after the UK saw its highest daily total of COVID-19 cases for more than a month.
The R number has risen in England to between 0.8-0.9, while it is estimated to be between 0.8-1.1 in the North West.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has told Sky News the new restrictions, which affect around four million people, are "absolutely necessary".
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The order covers:
All of Greater Manchester: Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford, and Wigan
East Lancashire: Pendle, Hyndburn, Burnley, Rossendale and Blackburn with Darwen
West Yorkshire: Bradford, Calderdale and Kirklees
The city of Leicester, which saw the UK's first local lockdown
It means people in these areas will not be permitted to mix with other households (apart from those in their support bubbles) in private homes or gardens.
It is understood there is currently no endpoint to the restrictions but they will be subject to a weekly review.
Some exemptions will be put in place, including for the vulnerable.
The government will sign new regulations to make these changes legally enforceable.
The regulations will give local authorities and police forces the powers to enforce these restrictions and more details on these will be set out when the regulations are published.
Households may go to hospitality, for instance bars and pubs, but new guidance will make clear that two households should not go to hospitality together.
Mr Hancock said "households gathering and not abiding by the social distancing rules" was a reason for the decision, which had been taken to "keep the country safe".
Data shows that there has been less transmission in the area when people go to work or shops, he added.
"This is not the sort of decision anybody would want to take but as we've seen before it is important to move quickly," the health secretary said.
He also said his "heart goes out" to the Muslim community ahead of Eid celebrations, which will be heavily impacted by the new restrictions.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer criticised the way the announcement was made, branding it a "new low for the government's communications".
"No one would argue with putting in place local action to reduce the transmission of coronavirus," he tweeted.
"But announcing measures affecting potentially millions of people late at night on Twitter is a new low for the government's communications during this crisis."
There is disquiet too from backbench Conservatives over the handling of the announcement, with Hazel Grove MP Will Wragg tweeting: "Greater Manchester is not one homogeneous area. We must always err on the side of caution with COVID-19, but to treat all 10 boroughs the same is not the right approach."
Graham Brady, MP for Altrincham & Sale West, shared the post, adding: "I agree. Latest update for Trafford says 'infections continue to be at a low level'."
Out of the 19 local authority areas affected, the rate of COVID-19 in the seven days to 27 July has gone up in 13 of them, with 1,536 cases recorded in the space of a week.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:12 COVID-19: Isolation period extended
Leicester's local lockdown was imposed at the end of June, but Labour's MPs for the area - Liz Kendall, Jonathan Ashworth and Claudia Webbe - said on Twitter that some restrictions there will now be lifted.
"The great news is our pubs, cafes, bars & restaurants can re-open and people can go on holiday with their own household," Ms Kendall tweeted.
"But leisure centres, gyms & pools still closed, and no meeting up with other households indoors."
The Department of Health later confirmed the restrictions will be eased from Monday.
Ms Webbe said Eid celebrations can take place at places of worship - provided social distancing is maintained - but not in private homes.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:13 UK's excess death rate worst in Europe
It has also been announced that from Saturday Luton will be brought in line with the rest of the country after "significant progress".
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham told Sky News the "picture changed" in Greater Manchester over the last week and said the government was "right to take quick action".
He said the rise in cases "doesn't just relate to multi-generational households" but also a spike in cases amongst younger people.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:19 Hancock announces meet-up bans in North
Lisa Nandy, Labour's shadow foreign secretary whose Wigan constituency is affected by the restrictions, told Sky News the government "needs to be ready".
"They need to make sure that the guidance and clarity is there when they announce, not trickling out over Twitter and then hastily scrambling around to schedule a press conference," she said.


skynewspolitics--2020-07-31--'Like cancelling Christmas' - Hancock criticised for lockdown announcement before Eid

Matt Hancock 's late-night announcement reinforcing lockdown in parts of northern England has been criticised for the impact on the UK 's Muslim community - and likened to `` cancelling Christmas '' .
The Health Secretary tweeted the news at 9.16pm on Thursday and quickly faced accusations that the `` last-minute '' action is aimed at curtailing Eid celebrations .
The measures were introduced hastily at the start of the annual Eid al-Adha `` feast of sacrifice '' , with people in the areas affected told not to socialise with other households at home or in gardens .
Following Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' began trending on Twitter as social media users talked about the impact on Muslim families and questioned whether the government would have made the same announcement the night before Christmas .
One Twitter user , Rachel Palmer , tweeted : `` Can you imagine this being announced on Christmas Eve , without a mention of the repercussions for Christians ?
`` You 're either racist , you do n't care or you 're completely detached from the nation you 're supposed to be working for .
More than 2.5 million Muslims in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alex Tiffin added : `` If people were told at 10pm on Christmas Eve , via Twitter , that you could not see anyone not in your household , there would be outrage and likely people openly ignoring the rules .
But , because it 's happened on # EidAlAdha , Muslims are told to stop complaining and shut up . ''
Harun Khan , secretary general of the British Muslim Council , told Sky News that the government 's lack of communication is `` eroding trust '' within communities across the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first day of Eid being today , for Muslims in the affected areas , it is like being told they can not visit family and friends for Christmas on Christmas Eve itself .
Whilst the safety of communities is of paramount importance , as has remained the case from the very outset of this crisis , so is effective communication delivered in a timely fashion .
`` Failure to communicate makes it difficult for communities across the country to continue working together to minimise the spread of the virus , whilst eroding trust @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our course as we tackle the COVID-19 crisis .
`` The UK government has failed to provide clarity on the shockingly short notice and the reasoning behind the new rules that British Muslims deserve - any such clarification would be most welcome . ''
The way in which Mr Hancock made the announcement was also condemned by politicians and activists , with Sir Keir Starmer leading the criticism .
The Labour leader said : `` No one would argue with putting in place local action to reduce the transmission of coronavirus .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people late at night on Twitter is a new low for the government 's communications during this crisis . ''
Saima Afzal , a community inclusion activist and Blackburn councillor , said the government `` left it too late '' to impose the restrictions .
She added : `` Does n't Matt Hancock see the potential impact two hours before Eid ?
`` The lack of clarity for every community , not just Muslims , it 's so last minute .
It 's going to be hard , with any celebration where people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we will miss our loved ones more . ''
Meanwhile , Scotland 's Justice Minister Humza Yousaf tweeted : `` I feel for everyone in the North of England affected by some lockdown measures re-imposed , particularly the Muslim community who are celebrating Eid today .
Many would have been looking forward to seeing family . ''
While acknowledging that the government was right to take action , Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham told Sky News that ministers `` have a habit of saying something and then it being a few hours until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` And that certainly was the case last night , and later on last night a lot of people I think felt very uncertain about what exactly was being announced '' .
Mr Hancock has since denied that the new restriction in parts of northern England was to stifle Eid celebrations .
He told Sky News the new restrictions were `` absolutely necessary '' , adding : `` When you face a pandemic like this , it is important to move quickly if that 's what needed . ''
: : Listen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He also said his `` heart goes out '' to the Muslim community ahead of Eid celebrations , which will be heavily impacted by the new restrictions .
He added : `` We 're constantly vigilant and we 've been looking at the data , and unfortunately we 've seen across parts of northern England an increase in the number of cases of coronavirus . ''
Many Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha , which can last between two to four days , by sacrificing an animal for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friends and those in need in large groups .
The new rules , which came into effect from midnight , ban people in Greater Manchester , parts of east Lancashire and West Yorkshire from meeting each other inside their homes or in gardens following a spike in virus cases .

Matt Hancock's late-night announcement reinforcing lockdown in parts of northern England has been criticised for the impact on the UK's Muslim community - and likened to "cancelling Christmas".
The Health Secretary tweeted the news at 9.16pm on Thursday and quickly faced accusations that the "last-minute" action is aimed at curtailing Eid celebrations.
The measures were introduced hastily at the start of the annual Eid al-Adha "feast of sacrifice", with people in the areas affected told not to socialise with other households at home or in gardens.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:19 Hancock: People ignored social distancing rules
Following Mr Hancock's announcement, "Christmas Eve" began trending on Twitter as social media users talked about the impact on Muslim families and questioned whether the government would have made the same announcement the night before Christmas.
One Twitter user, Rachel Palmer, tweeted: "Can you imagine this being announced on Christmas Eve, without a mention of the repercussions for Christians?
"You're either racist, you don't care or you're completely detached from the nation you're supposed to be working for. More than 2.5 million Muslims in England!!!"
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Twitter user Alex Tiffin added: "If people were told at 10pm on Christmas Eve, via Twitter, that you could not see anyone not in your household, there would be outrage and likely people openly ignoring the rules. But, because it's happened on #EidAlAdha, Muslims are told to stop complaining and shut up."
Harun Khan, secretary general of the British Muslim Council, told Sky News that the government's lack of communication is "eroding trust" within communities across the UK.
He said: "With the first day of Eid being today, for Muslims in the affected areas, it is like being told they cannot visit family and friends for Christmas on Christmas Eve itself. Whilst the safety of communities is of paramount importance, as has remained the case from the very outset of this crisis, so is effective communication delivered in a timely fashion.
"Failure to communicate makes it difficult for communities across the country to continue working together to minimise the spread of the virus, whilst eroding trust in the ability of authorities to steer our course as we tackle the COVID-19 crisis.
"The UK government has failed to provide clarity on the shockingly short notice and the reasoning behind the new rules that British Muslims deserve - any such clarification would be most welcome."
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The way in which Mr Hancock made the announcement was also condemned by politicians and activists, with Sir Keir Starmer leading the criticism.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:24 Celebrating Eid al-Adha under lockdown
The Labour leader said: "No one would argue with putting in place local action to reduce the transmission of coronavirus.
"But announcing measures affecting potentially millions of people late at night on Twitter is a new low for the government's communications during this crisis."
Saima Afzal, a community inclusion activist and Blackburn councillor, said the government "left it too late" to impose the restrictions.
She added: "Doesn't Matt Hancock see the potential impact two hours before Eid?
"The lack of clarity for every community, not just Muslims, it's so last minute. It's going to be hard, with any celebration where people are coming together and sharing food, we will miss our loved ones more."
Meanwhile, Scotland's Justice Minister Humza Yousaf tweeted: "I feel for everyone in the North of England affected by some lockdown measures re-imposed, particularly the Muslim community who are celebrating Eid today. Many would have been looking forward to seeing family."
Image: Hygiene measures upon entering Oldham Central mosque
While acknowledging that the government was right to take action, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham told Sky News that ministers "have a habit of saying something and then it being a few hours until the detail emerges".
He continued: "And that certainly was the case last night, and later on last night a lot of people I think felt very uncertain about what exactly was being announced".
Mr Hancock has since denied that the new restriction in parts of northern England was to stifle Eid celebrations.
He told Sky News the new restrictions were "absolutely necessary", adding: "When you face a pandemic like this, it is important to move quickly if that's what needed."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:24 Households meeting 'the biggest risk'
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
He also said his "heart goes out" to the Muslim community ahead of Eid celebrations, which will be heavily impacted by the new restrictions.
He added: "We're constantly vigilant and we've been looking at the data, and unfortunately we've seen across parts of northern England an increase in the number of cases of coronavirus."
Many Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha, which can last between two to four days, by sacrificing an animal for feasts to be shared by family, friends and those in need in large groups.
The new rules, which came into effect from midnight, ban people in Greater Manchester, parts of east Lancashire and West Yorkshire from meeting each other inside their homes or in gardens following a spike in virus cases.


skynewspolitics--2020-08-01--'National priority' to get children back to school but pubs may have to close as a trade-off

Shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth has said it is a `` national priority '' to get children back into the classroom , as scientists have warned there may have to be trade-offs for schools to reopen .
Mr Ashworth warned of the `` long-term impact of children not being in school for months and months and months '' .
`` It impacts their life chances , it impacts their learning and development , but also it 's probably leading to lots of long-term health problems as well not connected to the virus , '' he said .
Most schools closed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK went into lockdown although many remained open only for children of key workers and for vulnerable pupils .
More students were allowed to return to schools in England and Wales last month .
More than half of pupils struggled to learn at home during lockdown , according to an Office for National Statistics survey , raising concerns about the continued closure of schools .
The shadow health secretary said the government should use the next four weeks `` wisely '' to ensure schools can return in September .
`` We 've got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but that 's why it makes it even more pressing that we use these four weeks in August to do all as we can as a nation to drive down this virus and prepare for the autumn , '' he said .
Professor Chris Whitty , the chief medical officer for England , warned on Friday that trade-offs may need to be made for all schools to reopen , saying the country has `` probably reached near the limit or the limits '' of what can be done to reopen society .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , also said there needed to be `` sufficient headroom '' in the rate of COVID-19 infections .
Professor Graham Medley , a member of SAGE , said England may have to consider closing pubs so that schools could reopen .
When asked about Professor Whitty 's comments , he told BBC Radio 4 's Today programme : `` I think that 's quite possible .
`` I think we 're in a situation whereby most people think that opening schools is a priority for the health and wellbeing of children and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reconnect lots of households . ''
He added : `` It might come down to a question of which do you trade off against each other and then that 's a matter of prioritising , do we think pubs are more important than schools ? ''
Minutes released by SAGE reveal that school reopening has been discussed several times by the expert panel , with the group saying on 23 June that there `` may be a need to change measures at the end of the summer in order to be able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the planned reopening of schools '' .
However the group said the spread of coronavirus from children to adults `` appears to be low '' and outbreaks in schools `` are extensions of community outbreaks and comprise small numbers , rather than indicating that schools are high-risk settings '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker There have been fears that a second wave could spread across the UK , and SAGE has warned it `` does not have confidence '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crucial figure of 1 in England .
The latest estimate puts the R number , which refers to the number of people on average that an infected person passes the virus on to , at between 0.8-0.9 .
However this refers to the transmission of coronavirus from several weeks ago .
Some local lockdown measures were announced in parts of the North West of England and areas of West Yorkshire this week , following a spike in infections .
A further 120 people were reported to have died with coronavirus in the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 46,119 , according to government figures .

Shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth has said it is a "national priority" to get children back into the classroom, after scientists warned there may have to be trade-offs for schools to reopen.
A member of the government's scientific advisory group, SAGE, has suggested one trade-off might be to shut pubs.
Mr Ashworth warned of the "long-term impact of children not being in school for months and months and months".
"It impacts their life chances, it impacts their learning and development, but also it's probably leading to lots of long-term health problems as well not connected to the virus," he said.
Image: Schools are set to fully reopen in September
Most schools closed at the end of March as the UK went into lockdown, although many remained open only for children of key workers and for vulnerable pupils.
More students were allowed to return to schools in England and Wales last month.
More than half of pupils struggled to learn at home during lockdown, according to an Office for National Statistics survey, raising concerns about the continued closure of schools.
The shadow health secretary said the government should use the next four weeks "wisely" to ensure schools can return in September.
"We've got to get our children back into school but that's why it makes it even more pressing that we use these four weeks in August to do all we can as a nation to drive down this virus and prepare for the autumn," he said.
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Professor Chris Whitty, the chief medical officer for England, warned on Friday that trade-offs may need to be made for all schools to reopen, saying the country has "probably reached near the limit or the limits" of what can be done to reopen society.
SAGE also said there needed to be "sufficient headroom" in the rate of COVID-19 infections.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:38 'Do we never open schools until there's a vaccine?'
Professor Graham Medley, a member of SAGE, said England may have to consider closing pubs so that schools could reopen.
When asked about Professor Whitty's comments, he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "I think that's quite possible.
"I think we're in a situation whereby most people think that opening schools is a priority for the health and wellbeing of children and that when we do that we are going to reconnect lots of households."
He added: "It might come down to a question of which do you trade off against each other and then that's a matter of prioritising, do we think pubs are more important than schools?"
The government's former chief scientific adviser, Sir David King, told Sky News: "What we must walk back on is opening pubs, what we must walk back on is opening restaurants."
Sir David said he also wanted to see more local lockdowns.
Minutes released by SAGE reveal that school reopening has been discussed several times by the expert panel, with the group saying on 23 June that there "may be a need to change measures at the end of the summer in order to be able to keep R below 1 whilst proceeding with the planned reopening of schools".
However, the group said the spread of coronavirus from children to adults "appears to be low" and outbreaks in schools "are extensions of community outbreaks and comprise small numbers, rather than indicating that schools are high-risk settings".
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On Saturday afternoon the government said a total of 46,193 people had died in hospitals, care homes and the wider community in the UK after testing positive for coronavirus - a rise of 74 in 24 hours.
In the 24 hours to 9am on Saturday morning, confirmed cases rose 771 to 303,952.
There have been fears that a second wave could spread across the UK, and SAGE has warned it "does not have confidence" the R number is currently below the crucial figure of 1 in England.
The latest estimate puts the R number, which refers to the number of people on average that an infected person passes the virus on to, at between 0.8-0.9. However, this refers to the transmission of coronavirus from several weeks ago.
Some local lockdown measures were announced in parts of the North West of England and areas of West Yorkshire this week, following a spike in infections.


skynewspolitics--2020-07-31--Calls for furlough flexibility as businesses count the cost of delayed reopening

Businesses hoping to reopen after the coronavirus lockdown have been told they will remain closed for now , despite the furlough scheme beginning to wind down .
Bowling alleys , casinos , skating rinks , and beauty salons offering close-contact services like facials , had been scheduled to welcome customers today for the first time since lockdown , while small wedding receptions , and indoor performances were set to resume .
Their doors will stay shut for at least two more weeks after an increase in COVID-19 cases in England .
Under the furlough scheme , the government has covered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £2,500 each month since March - but that support is due to decrease before the scheme ends in October .
From today , employers must pay national insurance and pension contributions for their employees , as part of a gradual tapering of the scheme .
But despite the uncertainty for those still furloughed , the rising rate of new coronavirus infections has forced the government to delay the reopening of some businesses .
It will cost businesses £70 per employee on average , or five percent of their pre-furloughed pay .
For many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are going to become `` acutely difficult '' , according to the British Chamber of Commerce .
James Martin , Director of Policy at the BCC , said as costs rise and support unwinds a lot more help will be needed `` otherwise we are going to see significant redundancies . ''
Fewer than 4.5 million people are estimated to be currently furloughed , under the Coronavirus Job retention Scheme , according to the Resolution Foundation .
That is under half of the 9 million originally stated by officials meaning half have already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a skin clinic owner , is one of those who was hoping to be back at work , having not made any money for more than four months .
She told Sky News : `` When we were due to go back on the 1st of August , I was elated and happy and now I just ca n't see when we 're going to get an honest date .
I 've given up a little bit of hope really .
`` It 's heart-breaking to move an incredibly good , busy working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for .
`` To just wave goodbye to that day and wait another two weeks , at the earliest , is devastating . ''
She added : `` I absolutely love what I do .
My clients are wonderful and the idea that I 'm losing business because of the lack of understanding of this industry is heart-breaking for me .
`` By the time I eventually go back , I will not have worked for five months while still paying rent and it 's not cheap .
My business has been decimated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Friday that he had to `` squeeze the brake pedal '' on the easing of restrictions because COVID-19 was becoming more prevalent in the community .
But the Labour Party warned bosses were now facing the `` stark choice '' of firing staff or paying a `` hefty financial burden '' to keep them in employment unless the government adopted a more flexible approach to ending the furlough scheme .
Shadow business secretary Ed Miliband said : `` Many businesses still have little or no cash coming in , but are trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their employees ' jobs .
`` They now face the stark choice of letting go of their staff or facing a hefty financial burden to keep them on .
`` Businesses in vastly different sectors and circumstances should not be treated in this uniform way , and it is clearly unfair and illogical for those employers still locked down and unable to trade . ''
By the time the scheme ends it will have supported 9.5 million jobs at a cost of £31.7bn over eight months , according to the Treasury .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our targeted package of support that includes tax deferrals and VAT cuts , business rates relief , rent moratoriums and loans .
And we will continue to work closely with them during this difficult time , '' a spokeswoman said .
Many employers want to see `` clarity '' on the roadmap between now and Christmas so they can plan ahead .
The British Chamber of Commerce says it wants to have confidence in the test and trace system Too so that the country can `` move forward ... and finish the restart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , England 's chief medical officer Chris Whitty warned that the nation had `` probably reached near the limit or the limits '' of what could safely be done to reopen society , meaning trade-offs may be needed so children can return to school in September .
The requirement to wear a face covering will be extended to indoor settings such as museums , galleries , cinemas and places of worship from 8 August .
It is already compulsory in shops and on public transport .
Latest figures show there were 880 laboratory-confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday , bringing the total to 303,181 .
The government said a total of 46,119 people have now died in hospitals , care homes and the wider community in the UK after testing positive for coronavirus as of 5pm on Thursday , up by 120 on the day before .

Businesses hoping to reopen after the coronavirus lockdown have been told they will remain closed for now, despite the furlough scheme beginning to wind down.
Bowling alleys, casinos, skating rinks, and beauty salons offering close-contact services like facials, had been scheduled to welcome customers today for the first time since lockdown, while small wedding receptions, and indoor performances were set to resume.
Their doors will stay shut for at least two more weeks after an increase in COVID-19 cases in England.
Image: Bowling alleys will have to wait longer to reopen
Under the furlough scheme, the government has covered 80% of staff salaries up to £2,500 each month since March - but that support is due to decrease before the scheme ends in October.
From today, employers must pay national insurance and pension contributions for their employees, as part of a gradual tapering of the scheme.
But despite the uncertainty for those still furloughed, the rising rate of new coronavirus infections has forced the government to delay the reopening of some businesses.
It will cost businesses £70 per employee on average, or five percent of their pre-furloughed pay.
For many sectors still unable to reopen, things are going to become "acutely difficult", according to the British Chamber of Commerce.
James Martin, Director of Policy at the BCC, said as costs rise and support unwinds a lot more help will be needed "otherwise we are going to see significant redundancies."
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Fewer than 4.5 million people are estimated to be currently furloughed, under the Coronavirus Job retention Scheme, according to the Resolution Foundation.
That is under half of the 9 million originally stated by officials meaning half have already returned to work.
Cherry Woods, a skin clinic owner, is one of those who was hoping to be back at work, having not made any money for more than four months.
She told Sky News: "When we were due to go back on the 1st of August, I was elated and happy and now I just can't see when we're going to get an honest date. I've given up a little bit of hope really.
"It's heart-breaking to move an incredibly good, busy working day that I'd been absolutely longing for.
"To just wave goodbye to that day and wait another two weeks, at the earliest, is devastating."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:18 'At outer edge' of lockdown easing
She added: "I absolutely love what I do. My clients are wonderful and the idea that I'm losing business because of the lack of understanding of this industry is heart-breaking for me.
"By the time I eventually go back, I will not have worked for five months while still paying rent and it's not cheap. My business has been decimated."
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Friday that he had to "squeeze the brake pedal" on the easing of restrictions because COVID-19 was becoming more prevalent in the community.
But the Labour Party warned bosses were now facing the "stark choice" of firing staff or paying a "hefty financial burden" to keep them in employment unless the government adopted a more flexible approach to ending the furlough scheme.
Shadow business secretary Ed Miliband said: "Many businesses still have little or no cash coming in, but are trying to do the right thing and save their employees' jobs.
"They now face the stark choice of letting go of their staff or facing a hefty financial burden to keep them on.
"Businesses in vastly different sectors and circumstances should not be treated in this uniform way, and it is clearly unfair and illogical for those employers still locked down and unable to trade."
By the time the scheme ends it will have supported 9.5 million jobs at a cost of £31.7bn over eight months, according to the Treasury.
"We continue to support closed sectors through our targeted package of support that includes tax deferrals and VAT cuts, business rates relief, rent moratoriums and loans. And we will continue to work closely with them during this difficult time," a spokeswoman said.
Many employers want to see "clarity" on the roadmap between now and Christmas so they can plan ahead.
The British Chamber of Commerce says it wants to have confidence in the test and trace system Too so that the country can "move forward...and finish the restart of the economy".
On Friday, England's chief medical officer Chris Whitty warned that the nation had "probably reached near the limit or the limits" of what could safely be done to reopen society, meaning trade-offs may be needed so children can return to school in September.
The requirement to wear a face covering will be extended to indoor settings such as museums, galleries, cinemas and places of worship from 8 August. It is already compulsory in shops and on public transport.
Latest figures show there were 880 laboratory-confirmed cases of coronavirus up to 9am on Friday, bringing the total to 303,181.
On Saturday afternoon the government said a total of 46,193 people had died in hospitals, care homes and the wider community in the UK after testing positive for coronavirus - a rise of 74 in 24 hours.
In the 24 hours to 9am on Saturday morning confirmed cases rose 771 to 303,952.


skynewspolitics--2020-08-01--Former Tory minister arrested on suspicion of rape

A former Tory minister has been arrested on suspicion of rape .
Sky News understands the MP was accused by a young woman who used to work in parliament .
He was arrested and taken to an east London police station on Saturday morning and was released on bail on Saturday night .
A police statement said : `` On Friday 31 July , the Metropolitan Police Service received allegations relating to four separate incidents involving allegations of sexual offences and assault .
`` These offences are alleged to have occurred at addresses in Westminster , Lambeth and Hackney between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Met has launched an investigation into the allegations .
`` A man in his 50s was arrested on Saturday 1 August on suspicion of rape . ''
The story first appeared in The Sunday Times .
Sky News understands the woman 's complaint was reported to a fellow MP , who raised it with the chief whip Mark Spencer and with Jacob Rees-Mogg , the leader of the House of Commons .
She then went to police .
A Conservative Party statement said : `` We take all allegations of this nature @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now in the hands of the police it would be inappropriate to comment further . ''
A statement from Mr Spencer said : `` The chief whip takes all allegations of harassment and abuse extremely seriously and has strongly encouraged anybody who has approached him to contact the appropriate authorities , including parliament 's independent complaints and grievance scheme , which can formally carry out independent and confidential investigations . ''

A former Tory minister has been arrested on suspicion of rape.
Sky News understands the MP was accused by a young woman who used to work in parliament.
He was arrested and taken to an east London police station on Saturday morning and was released on bail on Saturday night.
A police statement said: "The Metropolitan Police Service received allegations relating to four separate incidents involving allegations of sexual offences and assault.
"These offences are alleged to have occurred at addresses in Westminster, Lambeth and Hackney between July 2019 and January 2020.
"The Met has launched an investigation into the allegations.
"A man in his 50s was arrested on Saturday 1 August on suspicion of rape."
The story first appeared in The Sunday Times.
Sky News understands the woman's complaint was reported to a fellow MP.
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It is claimed that some allegations were raised with the chief whip Mark Spencer and with Jacob Rees-Mogg, the leader of the House of Commons some weeks ago.
It has been reported that Mr Spencer had not known the "magnitude" of the allegations.
It's understood Mr Spencer told the woman to make a formal complaint to parliamentary authorities, who would investigate.
She later went to police.
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick told Times Radio: "These are very serious allegations and they should be investigated.
"I know this is being handled by the chief whip, who is in contact with the Member of Parliament in question and I'm sure they'll take all the steps that are required as further information comes to light."
A Conservative Party statement said: "We take all allegations of this nature extremely seriously. As this matter is now in the hands of the police it would be inappropriate to comment further."
A statement from Mr Spencer said: "The chief whip takes all allegations of harassment and abuse extremely seriously and has strongly encouraged anybody who has approached him to contact the appropriate authorities, including parliament's independent complaints and grievance scheme, which can formally carry out independent and confidential investigations."


skynewspolitics--2020-08-01--Homes and schools to get 'automatic planning permission'

New homes , hospitals , schools , shops and offices will get `` automatic '' permission to be built , under a radical shake-up of planning laws .
After Boris Johnson promised to `` build , build , build '' in order to create more affordable homes , the government is unveiling what is billed as the biggest change to the planning system since it was created in 1947 .
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick says the `` outdated and cumbersome '' planning rules , in which it takes on average five years to approve a new housing development , are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ older homeowners and young people struggling to get on the property ladder .
Under new rules , land will be designated into three categories .
Land for growth will allow new homes , schools and GP surgeries to be built automatically - if the council has judged there is a need for it .
Renewal areas , mostly existing urban areas , will see plans get `` permission in principle '' , to make the process faster while allowing for appropriate checks , in order to regenerate high streets and allow new housing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the green belt and areas of outstanding national beauty , will be banned from new development .
Writing in The Sunday Telegraph , Mr Jenrick said : `` Our country 's outdated and cumbersome planning system has contributed to a generational divide between those who own property and those who do n't .
Half as many 16 to 34-year-olds own their own homes , compared to those aged between 35 and 64 . ''
He added : `` While house prices have soared since the Millennium , with England seeing an increase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Europe , our complex and slow planning system has been a barrier to building homes which are affordable , where families want to raise children and build their lives .
`` It 's resulted in delays to vital infrastructure projects that come with new housing .
Communities are missing out on new hospitals , new schools and improved roads , and restrictions have left derelict buildings as eyesores and empty shops on our high streets , instead of helping them to adapt and evolve . ''
The government hopes relaxing planning laws will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sector , and give the economy a much-needed boost as the retail and hospitality sectors continue to struggle .
In their election manifesto , the Conservatives promised to build 300,000 new homes a year `` in the areas that really need them '' , but to try and build public support for them by insisting on better designed and more appealing homes .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Jenrick claims that the reformed planning system would build on the `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ century , in which home designs would have to be in keeping with the local area .
Local Government Association chairman Councillor James Jamieson said : `` Any suggestion that planning is a barrier to house building is a myth .
Nine in 10 planning applications are approved by councils , while more than a million homes given planning permission in the last decade have not yet been built .
`` We all want great communities .
The planning system needs to be able to ensure developments are of a high standard , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ include affordable homes , and are supported by infrastructure that provides enough schools , promotes greener and more active travel , and tackles climate change .
`` Only last week the government 's own independent report warned of the worse quality of homes not delivered through the planning system .
`` We urge the government to heed these warnings and not further side-line the planning process .
We stand ready to work with government to ensure any reforms improve the system . ''

New homes, hospitals, schools, shops and offices will get "automatic" permission to be built, under a radical shake-up of planning laws.
After Boris Johnson promised to "build, build, build" in order to create more affordable homes, the government is unveiling what is billed as the biggest change to the planning system since it was created in 1947.
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick says the "outdated and cumbersome" planning rules, in which it takes on average five years to approve a new housing development, are fuelling a "generational divide" between older homeowners and young people struggling to get on the property ladder.
Image: Robert Jenrick says it is a 'once in a generation' chance to build the homes and amenities families need
Under new rules, land will be designated into three categories.
Land for growth will allow new homes, schools and GP surgeries to be built automatically - if the council has judged there is a need for it.
Renewal areas, mostly existing urban areas, will see plans get "permission in principle", to make the process faster while allowing for appropriate checks, in order to regenerate high streets and allow new housing developments.
And protected land, such as the green belt and areas of outstanding national beauty, will be banned from new development.
Writing in The Sunday Telegraph, Mr Jenrick said: "Our country's outdated and cumbersome planning system has contributed to a generational divide between those who own property and those who don't. Half as many 16 to 34-year-olds own their own homes, compared to those aged between 35 and 64."
He added: "While house prices have soared since the Millennium, with England seeing an increase at one of the fastest rates in Europe, our complex and slow planning system has been a barrier to building homes which are affordable, where families want to raise children and build their lives.
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Image: Boris Johnson promised to 'build, build, build' in order to create more affordable homes
"It's resulted in delays to vital infrastructure projects that come with new housing. Communities are missing out on new hospitals, new schools and improved roads, and restrictions have left derelict buildings as eyesores and empty shops on our high streets, instead of helping them to adapt and evolve."
The government hopes relaxing planning laws will create millions of jobs in the construction sector, and give the economy a much-needed boost as the retail and hospitality sectors continue to struggle.
In their election manifesto, the Conservatives promised to build 300,000 new homes a year "in the areas that really need them", but to try and build public support for them by insisting on better designed and more appealing homes.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Mr Jenrick claims that the reformed planning system would build on the "pattern book" architecture of the 19th century, in which home designs would have to be in keeping with the local area.
Local Government Association chairman Councillor James Jamieson said: "Any suggestion that planning is a barrier to house building is a myth. Nine in 10 planning applications are approved by councils, while more than a million homes given planning permission in the last decade have not yet been built.
"We all want great communities. The planning system needs to be able to ensure developments are of a high standard, are built in the right places, include affordable homes, and are supported by infrastructure that provides enough schools, promotes greener and more active travel, and tackles climate change.
"Only last week the government's own independent report warned of the worse quality of homes not delivered through the planning system.
"We urge the government to heed these warnings and not further sideline the planning process. We stand ready to work with government to ensure any reforms improve the system."


skynewspolitics--2020-08-01--Pubs may have to close as a trade-off for 'national priority' of schools reopening

Shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth has said it is a `` national priority '' to get children back into the classroom , after scientists warned there may have to be trade-offs for schools to reopen .
A member of the government 's scientific advisory group , SAGE , has suggested one trade-off might be to shut pubs .
Mr Ashworth warned of the `` long-term impact of children not being in school for months and months and months '' .
`` It impacts their life chances , it impacts their learning and development , but also it 's probably leading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well not connected to the virus , '' he said .
Most schools closed at the end of March as the UK went into lockdown , although many remained open only for children of key workers and for vulnerable pupils .
More students were allowed to return to schools in England and Wales last month .
More than half of pupils struggled to learn at home during lockdown , according to an Office for National Statistics survey , raising concerns about the continued closure of schools .
The shadow health secretary said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` wisely '' to ensure schools can return in September .
`` We 've got to get our children back into school but that 's why it makes it even more pressing that we use these four weeks in August to do all we can as a nation to drive down this virus and prepare for the autumn , '' he said .
Professor Chris Whitty , the chief medical officer for England , warned on Friday that trade-offs may need to be made for all schools to reopen , saying the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or the limits '' of what can be done to reopen society .
SAGE also said there needed to be `` sufficient headroom '' in the rate of COVID-19 infections .
Professor Graham Medley , a member of SAGE , said England may have to consider closing pubs so that schools could reopen .
When asked about Professor Whitty 's comments , he told BBC Radio 4 's Today programme : `` I think that 's quite possible .
`` I think we 're in a situation whereby most people think that opening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and wellbeing of children and that when we do that we are going to reconnect lots of households . ''
He added : `` It might come down to a question of which do you trade off against each other and then that 's a matter of prioritising , do we think pubs are more important than schools ? ''
The government 's former chief scientific adviser , Sir David King , told Sky News : `` What we must walk back on is opening pubs , what we must walk back on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he also wanted to see more local lockdowns .
Minutes released by SAGE reveal that school reopening has been discussed several times by the expert panel , with the group saying on 23 June that there `` may be a need to change measures at the end of the summer in order to be able to keep R below 1 whilst proceeding with the planned reopening of schools '' .
However , the group said the spread of coronavirus from children to adults `` appears to be low '' and outbreaks in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and comprise small numbers , rather than indicating that schools are high-risk settings '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker On Saturday afternoon the government said a total of 46,193 people had died in hospitals , care homes and the wider community in the UK after testing positive for coronavirus - a rise of 74 in 24 hours .
In the 24 hours to 9am on Saturday morning , confirmed cases rose 771 to 303,952 .
There have been fears that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK , and SAGE has warned it `` does not have confidence '' the R number is currently below the crucial figure of 1 in England .
The latest estimate puts the R number , which refers to the number of people on average that an infected person passes the virus on to , at between 0.8-0.9 .
However , this refers to the transmission of coronavirus from several weeks ago .
Some local lockdown measures were announced in parts of the North West of England and areas of West Yorkshire this week @ @ @ @ @ @ @


skynewspolitics--2020-08-01--Migrant crossings 'unacceptably high' as UK asks France to be tougher

French officials have been urged to take a tougher stance on migrants , after a record week of Channel crossings .
Some 96 people were intercepted in the Channel on Friday - a day after a record 202 migrants made the journey .
The previous daily record for migrant crossings was on 13 July , when 180 successfully landed in the UK .
Immigration compliance minister Chris Philp wants France to be stronger at stopping the boats at sea and directing them back to the shore before they reach the Kent coast .
French authorities have stopped thousands of crossings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before adding that more could be done .
Mr Philp said : `` The number of illegal small boat crossings we are seeing from France is unacceptably high .
`` And migrants continue to arrive in Calais to make the crossing .
`` The French have to take tougher action .
`` We need stronger enforcement measures , including interceptions at sea and direct return of boats .
`` The French have heard that directly from the home secretary and we will continue to work with them until the situation changes .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the criminals who facilitate these crossings and return the migrants who come to the UK in this way . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker In July , more than 1,000 migrants managed to cross into the UK , according to analysis by the PA news agency .
The Home Office launched an attack on `` activist lawyers '' on Friday , who it claims are thwarting efforts to send migrants back to France .
It referred to `` vexatious '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its attempts to remove the migrants from the UK ; however , it would not reveal how many migrants remained in the country .
Minnie Rahman , public affairs and campaigns manager at the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants , said : `` Those being forced to make desperate journeys across the Channel are doing so because they simply have no other options and become reliant on those willing to exploit them . ''

French officials have been urged to take a tougher stance on migrants, after a record week of Channel crossings.
Some 96 people were intercepted in the Channel on Friday - a day after a record 202 migrants made the journey.
The previous daily record for migrant crossings was on 13 July, when 180 successfully landed in the UK.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:04 Migrants land on Kent beach
Immigration compliance minister Chris Philp wants France to be stronger at stopping the boats at sea and directing them back to the shore before they reach the Kent coast.
French authorities have stopped thousands of crossings this year, the government acknowledged, before adding that more could be done.
Mr Philp said: "The number of illegal small boat crossings we are seeing from France is unacceptably high.
"And migrants continue to arrive in Calais to make the crossing.
"The French have to take tougher action.
"We need stronger enforcement measures, including interceptions at sea and direct return of boats.
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"The French have heard that directly from the home secretary and we will continue to work with them until the situation changes.
"We will also continue to go after the criminals who facilitate these crossings and return the migrants who come to the UK in this way."
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In July, more than 1,000 migrants managed to cross into the UK, according to analysis by the PA news agency.
The Home Office launched an attack on "activist lawyers" on Friday, who it claims are thwarting efforts to send migrants back to France.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:38 British family find migrants in their car roof box
It referred to "vexatious" claims that are stopping the government and its attempts to remove the migrants from the UK; however, it would not reveal how many migrants remained in the country.
Human rights charities branded the comments as "bully boy tactics".
Minnie Rahman, public affairs and campaigns manager at the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants, said: "Those being forced to make desperate journeys across the Channel are doing so because they simply have no other options and become reliant on those willing to exploit them."


skynewspolitics--2020-08-02--Conservative MP not suspended after arrest on suspicion of rape

A Conservative MP arrested over allegations of rape will not be suspended from the party while police investigate .
A spokesperson for the Conservative whips ' office said : `` These are serious allegations and it is right that they are investigated fully .
The whip has not been suspended .
`` This decision will be reviewed once the police investigation has been concluded . ''
It comes after shadow safeguarding minister Jess Phillips said it was `` shocking '' the party had not decided to withdraw the whip .
The accused former minister was arrested and taken to an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and released on bail later that day .
He has been accused by a young woman who used to work in parliament , Sky News understands .
`` In any other organisation , were this police investigation to be going on , somebody would be suspended while the investigation was taking place , '' Ms Phillips told Times Radio .
`` I find it shocking this morning in the news that the Conservative Party has decided not to withdraw the whip in this case . ''
She said it was `` only right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the conviction earlier this week of former Tory MP Charlie Elphicke , who was allowed to maintain the whip while being investigated for sexual assault .
Housing minister Robert Jenrick said the government will `` take all the steps that are necessary '' following the arrest .
`` This is a very serious allegation and it 's right that it 's treated as such , '' he said .
`` We need to be a political party that ensures women are safe and feel comfortable at all times and that 's exactly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ woman 's complaint was reported to a fellow MP , Sky News understands .
It is claimed some allegations were raised with Jacob Rees-Mogg , the leader of the House of Commons , and chief whip Mark Spencer .
Mr Spencer had reportedly not known the `` magnitude '' of the allegations , and it is understood he told the woman to make a formal complaint to parliamentary authorities , who would investigate .
The woman later spoke to police .
A police statement said : `` The Metropolitan Police Service received allegations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of sexual offences and assault .
`` These offences are alleged to have occurred at addresses in Westminster , Lambeth and Hackney between July 2019 and January 2020 .
`` The Met has launched an investigation into the allegations .
`` A man in his 50s was arrested on Saturday 1 August on suspicion of rape . ''
In a statement , the Conservative Party said it takes `` all allegations of this nature extremely seriously '' but refused to comment further as the matter is now being investigated by police .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The chief whip takes all allegations of harassment and abuse extremely seriously and has strongly encouraged anybody who has approached him to contact the appropriate authorities , including parliament 's independent complaints and grievance scheme , which can formally carry out independent and confidential investigations . ''

A Conservative MP arrested over allegations of rape will not be suspended from the party while police investigate.
A spokesperson for the Conservative whips' office said: "These are serious allegations and it is right that they are investigated fully. The whip has not been suspended.
"This decision will be reviewed once the police investigation has been concluded."
It comes after shadow safeguarding minister Jess Phillips said it was "shocking" the party had not decided to withdraw the whip.
Image: Labour MP Jess Phillips said the whip should be removed from the MP
The accused former minister was arrested and taken to an east London police station on Saturday morning and released on bail later that day.
He has been accused by a young woman who used to work in parliament, Sky News understands.
"In any other organisation, were this police investigation to be going on, somebody would be suspended while the investigation was taking place," Ms Phillips told Times Radio.
"I find it shocking this morning in the news that the Conservative Party has decided not to withdraw the whip in this case."
She said it was "only right" the whip was withdrawn and pointed to the conviction earlier this week of former Tory MP Charlie Elphicke, who was allowed to maintain the whip while being investigated for sexual assault.
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An MP who has the whip withdrawn is effectively expelled from their party, but keeps their seat and must sit as an independent until they have the whip restored.
Housing minister Robert Jenrick said the government will "take all the steps that are necessary" following the arrest.
"This is a very serious allegation and it's right that it's treated as such," he said.
"We need to be a political party that ensures women are safe and feel comfortable at all times and that's exactly what we are doing."
Image: Housing secretary Robert Jenrick says the allegation is 'serious'
Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran told Sky News: "Given the seriousness of these allegations and that a suspension, in a workplace or anywhere else, is actually a neutral act... I would urge (the Conservative whips' office) to think again on that decision.
"But more broadly I think we need to acknowledge the bravery of those who have come forward to make these allegations, to do that against an MP, especially if they are staff, it's very very difficult."
The woman's complaint was reported to a fellow MP, Sky News understands.
It is claimed some allegations were raised with Jacob Rees-Mogg, the leader of the House of Commons, and chief whip Mark Spencer.
Mr Spencer had reportedly not known the "magnitude" of the allegations, and it is understood he told the woman to make a formal complaint to parliamentary authorities, who would investigate.
The woman later spoke to police.
A police statement said: "The Metropolitan Police Service received allegations relating to four separate incidents involving allegations of sexual offences and assault.
"These offences are alleged to have occurred at addresses in Westminster, Lambeth and Hackney between July 2019 and January 2020.
"The Met has launched an investigation into the allegations.
"A man in his 50s was arrested on Saturday 1 August on suspicion of rape."
In a statement, the Conservative Party said it takes "all allegations of this nature extremely seriously" but refused to comment further as the matter is now being investigated by police.
A statement from Mr Spencer said: "The chief whip takes all allegations of harassment and abuse extremely seriously and has strongly encouraged anybody who has approached him to contact the appropriate authorities, including parliament's independent complaints and grievance scheme, which can formally carry out independent and confidential investigations."


skynewspolitics--2020-08-01--Millions of over-50s could be told to stay at home to avoid second nationwide lockdown

Millions of over 50s could be told to stay at home under a `` nuclear '' option to prevent a new nationwide lockdown if there is a second wave of coronavirus .
Boris Johnson is reportedly considering asking a greater number of people in England to take part in the shielding programme should there be a big spike in COVID-19 cases .
A Sunday Times report said people aged between 50 and 70 could be given personalised risk ratings , taking into account factors such as age and medical conditions .
2.2 million were deemed most vulnerable and asked to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peak of the virus - advice that ended on Saturday .
As part of a strategy to tackle a potential second wave of coronavirus in the future , the prime minister is also reportedly considering lockdown conditions for London .
Ideas include giving Londoners stay-at-home orders , restricting travel beyond the M25 , and banning people from staying in other people 's homes , similar to policies implemented in local lockdowns imposed in Leicester and parts of the north-west of England .
Measures to prevent a second nationwide lockdown , and any economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at what was described by sources as a `` war game '' session with Chancellor Rishi Sunak on Wednesday .
Downing Street distanced itself from the details in the reports , calling them `` speculative '' .
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said : `` We do n't have any plans to ( advise over 50s to shield ) .
`` Moving forwards , we hope to be able to operate on a localised approach… but we do n't have any plans for a national blanket approach . ''
It comes after the prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ easing of lockdown on Friday .
The planned reopening of some businesses in the leisure and beauty sectors was delayed due to fears that the prevalence of coronavirus was rising for the first time since May .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Experts have already suggested that pubs could be closed in exchange for allowing schools to reopen fully in September .
It follows a warning from England 's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty that the country was `` near @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of normal life could be resumed safely .
It has been less than a month since pubs were allowed to reopen after the peak of the virus , but Professor Graham Medley , a member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies , said the `` trade off '' could be required for the sake of children 's education .
Most schools closed at the end of March as the UK went into lockdown , although many remained open for children of key workers and vulnerable pupils .
More than half of pupils @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to an Office for National Statistics survey , raising concerns about the continued closure of schools .
Meanwhile , the Department of Health and Social Care has denied abandoning a promise to regularly test care home residents during the summer .
The Sunday Times reported that a leaked memo from Professor Jane Cummings , the government 's adult social care testing director , to local authority leaders said `` previously advised timelines for rolling out regular testing in care homes '' were being altered due to `` unexpected delays '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was meant to have started on 6 July but will now start on 7 September , according to the Press Association .
A DHSC spokeswoman said : `` It is completely wrong to suggest care homes were deliberately deprived of testing resources and any care home resident or member of staff with symptoms can immediately access a free test . ''

Millions of over 50s could be told to stay at home under a "nuclear" option to prevent a new nationwide lockdown if there is a second wave of coronavirus.
Boris Johnson is reportedly considering asking a greater number of people in England to take part in the shielding programme should there be a big spike in COVID-19 cases.
A Sunday Times report said people aged between 50 and 70 could be given personalised risk ratings, taking into account factors such as age and medical conditions.
2.2 million were deemed most vulnerable and asked to shield themselves from society during the spring peak of the virus - advice that ended on Saturday.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:39 Coronavirus: Shielding advice ends
As part of a strategy to tackle a potential second wave of coronavirus in the future, the prime minister is also reportedly considering lockdown conditions for London.
Ideas include giving Londoners stay-at-home orders, restricting travel beyond the M25, and banning people from staying in other people's homes, similar to policies implemented in local lockdowns imposed in Leicester and parts of the north-west of England.
Measures to prevent a second nationwide lockdown, and any economic fallout, were discussed by Mr Johnson at what was described by sources as a "war game" session with Chancellor Rishi Sunak on Wednesday.
Downing Street distanced itself from the details in the reports, calling them "speculative".
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said: "We don't have any plans to (advise over 50s to shield).
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"Moving forwards, we hope to be able to operate on a localised approach… but we don't have any plans for a national blanket approach."
It comes after the prime minister was forced to postpone the latest easing of lockdown on Friday.
The planned reopening of some businesses in the leisure and beauty sectors was delayed due to fears that the prevalence of coronavirus was rising for the first time since May.
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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Experts have already suggested that pubs could be closed in exchange for allowing schools to reopen fully in September.
It follows a warning from England's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty that the country was "near the limit" of how many parts of normal life could be resumed safely.
It has been less than a month since pubs were allowed to reopen after the peak of the virus, but Professor Graham Medley, a member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies, said the "trade off" could be required for the sake of children's education.
Image: Schools are set to fully reopen in September
Most schools closed at the end of March as the UK went into lockdown, although many remained open for children of key workers and vulnerable pupils.
More than half of pupils struggled to learn at home during lockdown, according to an Office for National Statistics survey, raising concerns about the continued closure of schools.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:38 'Do we never open schools until there's a vaccine?'
The government said that eight more people had died with coronavirus in the UK in the 24 hours to 5pm on Sunday, bringing the total to 46,201.
In the 24 hours to 9am on Sunday 744 more cases had been confirmed, bringing the UK total to 304,695.


skynewspolitics--2020-08-02--Coronavirus testing in care homes delayed until September

Government plans to delay COVID-19 testing for all residents and staff at care homes until early September have been described as `` an absolute kick in the teeth '' .
A pledge to regularly test all people in care homes for coronavirus throughout the summer had been part of the so-called protective `` ring of steel '' promised to the sector by ministers .
But local authority chief executives were told on Friday night that the timeline was being changed due to `` unexpected delays '' .
It has also emerged that 64 % of homes for the elderly , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had a round of asymptomatic testing , with only 3,271 homes out of 9,144 receiving testing equipment .
`` I think it 's disgraceful , it 's like we are going back several months , '' said Nadra Ahmed , executive chairman of the National Care Association .
She added : `` We were calling for testing from the very beginning because we can only see that as the way we can mitigate the risk of spread within the services , or it even being brought in by asymptomatic staff or relatives .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the worst things that could have happened .
It is the government actually backtracking on a vision that they 've sold to the public saying they 're doing all this for the care sector when the reality is they 're taking back steps every single time .
`` It is an absolute kick in the teeth to all those care staff who 've been working really hard to get their services COVID-free .
To all the relatives who 've been told they can go and visit now safely , how do we do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ? ''
The news has been met with shock and anger by those who lost loved ones to the virus in care homes at the peak of the pandemic .
`` I 'm extremely upset , it 's not so long ago that they were finding it extremely important , '' said Kathy Gardiner , whose husband Ian was one of 20 people to die with COVID-19 at his care home in Ashford , Kent , in early April .
`` There was no testing at that point for residents and carers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Are they going back to where elderly people and carers are n't that important ? ''
she continued .
`` It makes me feel extremely angry .
With the grief of losing my husband I had all the feelings of anger and blame but these all come back again because I can see it is history repeating itself .
I 'm just so concerned for the people that might have to go through what I 've gone through . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Health and Social Care insists it is sending 50,000 tests a day to care homes across the country and is prioritising those in higher-risk outbreak areas .
In a statement it said : `` A combination of factors have meant that a more limited number of testing kits , predominantly used in care homes , are currently available for asymptomatic retesting and we are working round the clock with providers to restore capacity . ''
The government said that eight more people had died with coronavirus in the UK in the 24 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the total to 46,201 .
In the 24 hours to 9am on Sunday 744 more cases had been confirmed , bringing the UK total to 304,695 .

Government plans to delay COVID-19 testing for all residents and staff at care homes until early September have been described as "an absolute kick in the teeth".
A pledge to regularly test all people in care homes for coronavirus throughout the summer had been part of the so-called protective "ring of steel" promised to the sector by ministers. But local authority chief executives were told on Friday night that the timeline was being changed due to "unexpected delays".
It has also emerged that 64% of homes for the elderly, or those with dementia, have not had a round of asymptomatic testing, with only 3,271 homes out of 9,144 receiving testing equipment.
Image: Testing for everyone at care homes has been delayed until September
Image: Nadra Ahmed, executive chairman of the National Care Association
"I think it's disgraceful, it's like we are going back several months," said Nadra Ahmed, executive chairman of the National Care Association.
She added: "We were calling for testing from the very beginning because we can only see that as the way we can mitigate the risk of spread within the services, or it even being brought in by asymptomatic staff or relatives.
"I think this is one of the worst things that could have happened. It is the government actually backtracking on a vision that they've sold to the public saying they're doing all this for the care sector when the reality is they're taking back steps every single time.
"It is an absolute kick in the teeth to all those care staff who've been working really hard to get their services COVID-free. To all the relatives who've been told they can go and visit now safely, how do we do that? How do we actually do that?"
The news has been met with shock and anger by those who lost loved ones to the virus in care homes at the peak of the pandemic.
"I'm extremely upset, it's not so long ago that they were finding it extremely important," said Kathy Gardiner, whose husband Ian was one of 20 people to die with COVID-19 at his care home in Ashford, Kent, in early April.
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Image: John 'Ian' Gardiner died with COVID-19 in April
"There was no testing at that point for residents and carers. Are they going back to that? Are they going back to where elderly people and carers aren't that important?" she continued.
"It makes me feel extremely angry. With the grief of losing my husband I had all the feelings of anger and blame but these all come back again because I can see it is history repeating itself. I'm just so concerned for the people that might have to go through what I've gone through."
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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The Department of Health and Social Care insists it is sending 50,000 tests a day to care homes across the country and is prioritising those in higher-risk outbreak areas.
In a statement it said: "A combination of factors have meant that a more limited number of testing kits, predominantly used in care homes, are currently available for asymptomatic retesting and we are working round the clock with providers to restore capacity."
The government said that eight more people had died with coronavirus in the UK in the 24 hours to 5pm on Sunday, bringing the total to 46,201.
In the 24 hours to 9am on Sunday 744 more cases had been confirmed, bringing the UK total to 304,695.