skynewspolitics--2020-10-09--Minister criticises plans to give MPs £3,500 pay rise during COVID crisis

A government minister has criticised `` inappropriate '' plans to give MPs a pay rise in the middle of the coronavirus crisis .
Business minister Nadhim Zahawi called on the independent body that decides MPs ' salaries to `` explain themselves '' after they recommended keeping the existing method of calculating pay .
This has seen MPs given a pay rise in each of the last six years , with their current salaries standing at £81,932 .
Live coronavirus updates from UK and around world The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority ( IPSA ) said they had `` considered the options @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of future economic uncertainty arising from the coronavirus pandemic '' they are `` inclined to continue '' linking MPs ' pay to public sector earnings .
By continuing the current method , IPSA would continue to base MPs ' salaries on the year-on-year three-month average growth in public sector pay , which currently stands at 4.1 % .
Using that current figure , MPs would be in line for a £3,360 pay increase next April , with IPSA admitting it would likely be an inflation-busting rise .
The government has recently admitted it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be unemployed in the coming months as the economic fall-out from the COVID-19 crisis accelerates .
Mr Zahawi defended the use of an independent body to set MPs ' pay , but told Sky News : `` I do n't think a pay rise is appropriate . ''
The Conservative MP , a multi-millionaire from his business career , revealed he does not take the ministerial salary he 's entitled to for his government role .
And he pledged to look at donating any pay increase to charity , such as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think it 's incumbent on the leadership of IPSA to explain to the public - because we all exist in the same sort of social fabric of society and the court of public opinion is important - as to why they think this is the right thing to do , '' he added .
IPSA was set up in the wake of public outrage over the parliamentary expenses scandal in 2009. : : Subscribe to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Richard Lloyd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` IPSA is responsible for setting MPs ' pay and pensions .
`` We act independently of parliament and have a statutory duty to review MPs ' pay in the first year of each parliament .
`` We carried out a major review of MPs ' pay with consultations in 2012 , 2013 and 2015 , and technical adjustments in 2018 .
`` Given the huge economic uncertainties arising from the coronavirus pandemic , we do not think it is right to depart from this approach now . ''
IPSA have launched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expect to make a final decision in December .
Jeremy Hutton , policy analyst at the TaxPayers ' Alliance campaign group , said : `` IPSA must be tin-eared if it really thinks a pay rise for MPs should be considered this year .
`` Public finances are in a parlous state , furlough is coming to an end and unemployment is rising .
`` A pay rise in parliament would be an insult to hardworking taxpayers who 've had a very tough year . ''
In 2013 , Mr Zahawi apologised and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was discovered taxpayers were paying for the electricity supply to his stables .

A government minister has criticised "inappropriate" plans to give MPs a pay rise in the middle of the coronavirus crisis.
Business minister Nadhim Zahawi called on the independent body that decides MPs' salaries to "explain themselves" after they recommended keeping the existing method of calculating pay.
This has seen MPs given a pay rise in each of the last six years, with their current salaries standing at £81,932.
Live coronavirus updates from UK and around world
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The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) said they had "considered the options available" but "given the scale of future economic uncertainty arising from the coronavirus pandemic" they are "inclined to continue" linking MPs' pay to public sector earnings.
By continuing the current method, IPSA would continue to base MPs' salaries on the year-on-year three-month average growth in public sector pay, which currently stands at 4.1%.
Using that current figure, MPs would be in line for a £3,360 pay increase next April, with IPSA admitting it would likely be an inflation-busting rise.
The government has recently admitted it is braced for up to four million to be unemployed in the coming months as the economic fall-out from the COVID-19 crisis accelerates.
Mr Zahawi defended the use of an independent body to set MPs' pay, but told Sky News: "I don't think a pay rise is appropriate."
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The Conservative MP, a multi-millionaire from his business career, revealed he does not take the ministerial salary he's entitled to for his government role.
And he pledged to look at donating any pay increase to charity, such as a local hospice in his constituency.
"I think it's incumbent on the leadership of IPSA to explain to the public - because we all exist in the same sort of social fabric of society and the court of public opinion is important - as to why they think this is the right thing to do," he added.
IPSA was set up in the wake of public outrage over the parliamentary expenses scandal in 2009.
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Richard Lloyd, IPSA's interim chair, said: "IPSA is responsible for setting MPs' pay and pensions.
"We act independently of parliament and have a statutory duty to review MPs' pay in the first year of each parliament.
"We carried out a major review of MPs' pay with consultations in 2012, 2013 and 2015, and technical adjustments in 2018.
"Given the huge economic uncertainties arising from the coronavirus pandemic, we do not think it is right to depart from this approach now."
IPSA have launched an online consultation on their plans and expect to make a final decision in December.
Jeremy Hutton, policy analyst at the TaxPayers' Alliance campaign group, said: "IPSA must be tin-eared if it really thinks a pay rise for MPs should be considered this year.
"Public finances are in a parlous state, furlough is coming to an end and unemployment is rising.
"A pay rise in parliament would be an insult to hardworking taxpayers who've had a very tough year."
In 2013, Mr Zahawi apologised and described himself as "mortified" after it was discovered taxpayers were paying for the electricity supply to his stables.


skynewspolitics--2020-10-09--'Four million families to lose out' when Universal Credit COVID cash ends

Four million families will be more than £1,000 a year worse off when the increase to Universal Credit ends in April , warns a new report .
People have been receiving an extra £20 per week because of the COVID-19 pandemic , but it 's due to end in six months .
An Institute for Fiscal Studies ( IFS ) report says millions of families will lose 13 % of their benefits - around £1,040-a-year .
The IFS says it will mean a `` significant decline '' in the finances of many people , though some will be worse hit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the proportional fall will be much greater , '' the report states .
`` For example , a childless , non-disabled , single owner-occupier with no other source of income would see a 21 % decline in benefits .
`` If the government instead chooses to make this increase permanent , it would add about 10 % to the long-run cost of Universal Credit , though would undo at most two-thirds of the benefit cuts made since 2015 , let alone those made during the coalition . ''
Live coronavirus updates from UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far resisted pressure to extend the extra money past April next year .
Boris Johnson twice evaded the question when asked at last week 's Prime Minister 's Questions if he would consider making the £20 increase permanent .
When pressed by the SNP 's Ian Blackford a second time , he said the government was `` putting another £1.7bn into Universal Credit by 2023 to 2024 '' - but said nothing about keeping the increased payments .
Mark Franks , from the Nuffield Foundation - which campaigns on social well-being and access @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a `` sustainable '' support plan in place .
He said : `` The government made some necessarily rapid changes to working age benefit policy , which have played a vital role in helping to support millions of families through the first six months of the economic crisis .
`` As the economic fallout continues , the government now needs to make longer-term decisions about how best to provide sustainable support for those who have lost their livelihoods as a result of the pandemic . ''
: : Subscribe to the Daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Spotify , Spreaker A Department for Work and Pensions spokesman said the government is `` wholly committed '' to helping the lowest-paid families and has already taken `` significant steps '' to help - including raising the Living Wage , ending the benefit freeze and increasing work incentives .
He added : `` During this challenging time we have provided £9.3bn extra welfare support to help those most in need , as well as introducing income protection schemes , mortgage holidays and additional support for renters , and constantly keep these measures @ @ @ @

Four million families will be more than £1,000 a year worse off when the increase to Universal Credit ends in April, warns a new report.
People have been receiving an extra £20 per week because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it's due to end in six months.
An Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) report says millions of families will lose 13% of their benefits - around £1,040-a-year.
The IFS says it will mean a "significant decline" in the finances of many people, though some will be worse hit than others.
"For some, the proportional fall will be much greater," the report states.
"For example, a childless, non-disabled, single owner-occupier with no other source of income would see a 21% decline in benefits.
"If the government instead chooses to make this increase permanent, it would add about 10% to the long-run cost of Universal Credit, though would undo at most two-thirds of the benefit cuts made since 2015, let alone those made during the coalition."
Live coronavirus updates from UK and around world
The government has so far resisted pressure to extend the extra money past April next year.
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Boris Johnson twice evaded the question when asked at last week's Prime Minister's Questions if he would consider making the £20 increase permanent.
When pressed by the SNP's Ian Blackford a second time, he said the government was "putting another £1.7bn into Universal Credit by 2023 to 2024" - but said nothing about keeping the increased payments.
Mark Franks, from the Nuffield Foundation - which campaigns on social well-being and access to education, says there needs to be a "sustainable" support plan in place.
He said: "The government made some necessarily rapid changes to working age benefit policy, which have played a vital role in helping to support millions of families through the first six months of the economic crisis.
"As the economic fallout continues, the government now needs to make longer-term decisions about how best to provide sustainable support for those who have lost their livelihoods as a result of the pandemic."
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A Department for Work and Pensions spokesman said the government is "wholly committed" to helping the lowest-paid families and has already taken "significant steps" to help - including raising the Living Wage, ending the benefit freeze and increasing work incentives.
He added: "During this challenging time we have provided £9.3bn extra welfare support to help those most in need, as well as introducing income protection schemes, mortgage holidays and additional support for renters, and constantly keep these measures under review."


skynewspolitics--2020-10-09--Advice not to travel in and out of worst-hit areas could be part of new lockdown measures

Boris Johnson will make a statement to MPs on Monday , amid expectations that a three-tier local lockdown system will be introduced across England .
The prime minister 's chief strategic adviser , Sir Edward Lister , said it is `` very likely '' that certain local areas will face `` further restrictions '' because of a `` rising incidence '' of COVID-19 .
In a letter to MPs , he said the government would discuss `` difficult choices '' with local leaders .
Sir Edward added that Mr Johnson believes local leaders should `` help shape the package of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It follows criticism from the mayors of northern cities who have accused ministers of failing to consult with them .
Sky News understands that new coronavirus restrictions for North West England could be implemented as soon as Wednesday .
During a meeting on Friday between local leaders and Westminster figures including the Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick a number of possibilities were outlined .
Central government is understood to be considering stopping people from travelling in and out of the worst-affected areas .
The three tiers - known as Local Covid Alert Levels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high and very high .
Under a very high alert , pubs and bars would have to shut , but not restaurants .
In Wales , meanwhile , new restrictions will be introduced in the northwest of the country at 6pm on Saturday .
It follows a sharp rise in cases in Bangor , First Minister Mark Drakeford said .
There are concerns that an expansion of the UK-wide Job Support Scheme , announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak , may not go far enough .
Workers at businesses forced to close because of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their salaries paid by the government .
Mr Sunak said the policy would `` provide a safety net for businesses '' and was offering the `` right support at the right time '' .
Four northern mayors said the expansion of the scheme was a `` start '' .
But Andy Burnham , Mayor of Greater Manchester , Jamie Driscoll , Mayor of North Tyne , Dan Jarvis , Mayor of Sheffield City Region , and Steve Rotheram , Mayor of Liverpool City Region , added : `` On first look , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enough to prevent genuine hardship , job losses and business failure this winter . ''
They and other northern leaders will be meeting on Saturday to discuss the idea `` in more detail '' .
Mel Green , manager of The Black Bull in Otley , West Yorkshire , said `` two-thirds of somebody 's wage is n't going to cut it '' .
The pub trade is one in which `` everyone 's on national minimum wage pretty much '' , and a lot of staff `` are living hand to mouth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduced '' , she said .
In the regular daily update , another 13,864 coronavirus cases and a further 87 deaths were announced across the UK on Friday .
Five of the 22 European regions with the highest coronavirus infection rates are in the north of England , Sky News analysis has found .
And the UK 's coronavirus reproduction ( R ) number has decreased slightly to a maximum of 1.5 , according to the latest government figures .

Boris Johnson will make a statement to MPs on Monday, amid expectations that a three-tier local lockdown system will be introduced across England.
The prime minister's chief strategic adviser, Sir Edward Lister, said it is "very likely" that certain local areas will face "further restrictions" because of a "rising incidence" of COVID-19.
In a letter to MPs, he said the government would discuss "difficult choices" with local leaders.
Image: Under a very high alert, pubs and bars would have to close
Sir Edward added that Mr Johnson believes local leaders should "help shape the package of measures in the most concerning areas".
It follows criticism from the mayors of northern cities who have accused ministers of failing to consult with them.
Sky News understands that new coronavirus restrictions for North West England could be implemented as soon as Wednesday.
During a meeting on Friday between local leaders and Westminster figures including the Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick a number of possibilities were outlined.
Central government is understood to be considering stopping people from travelling in and out of the worst-affected areas.
The three tiers - known as Local Covid Alert Levels - are expected to be medium, high and very high.
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Under a very high alert, pubs and bars would have to shut, but not restaurants.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:54 How effective is the contact-tracing app?
In Wales, meanwhile, new restrictions will be introduced in the northwest of the country at 6pm on Saturday.
It follows a sharp rise in cases in Bangor, First Minister Mark Drakeford said.
There are concerns that an expansion of the UK-wide Job Support Scheme, announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak, may not go far enough.
Workers at businesses forced to close because of stricter lockdown measures will have two-thirds of their salaries paid by the government.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:06 What do businesses think of new support?
Mr Sunak said the policy would "provide a safety net for businesses" and was offering the "right support at the right time".
Four northern mayors said the expansion of the scheme was a "start".
But Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, Jamie Driscoll, Mayor of North Tyne, Dan Jarvis, Mayor of Sheffield City Region, and Steve Rotheram, Mayor of Liverpool City Region, added: "On first look, it would not appear to have gone far enough to prevent genuine hardship, job losses and business failure this winter."
They and other northern leaders will be meeting on Saturday to discuss the idea "in more detail".
Mel Green, manager of The Black Bull in Otley, West Yorkshire, said "two-thirds of somebody's wage isn't going to cut it".
The pub trade is one in which "everyone's on national minimum wage pretty much", and a lot of staff "are living hand to mouth already and they've already had hours reduced", she said.
In the regular daily update, another 13,864 coronavirus cases and a further 87 deaths were announced across the UK on Friday.
Five of the 22 European regions with the highest coronavirus infection rates are in the north of England, Sky News analysis has found.
And the UK's coronavirus reproduction (R) number has decreased slightly to a maximum of 1.5, according to the latest government figures.


skynewspolitics--2020-10-09--Government to pay two-thirds of salaries at firms shut by COVID restrictions

Workers at businesses forced to shut due to stricter lockdown measures will have two-thirds of their salaries paid by the government .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak unveiled the expansion of the Job Support Scheme , which is a successor to the furlough scheme , saying : `` It will provide a safety net for businesses across the UK who are required to temporarily close their doors , giving them the right support at the right time . ''
Live updates on coronavirus from UK and around world The government will pay employees who can not work 67 % of their salaries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The scheme will come into force on 1 November and run for six months before being reviewed .
Employees must be off work for a minimum of seven days to be eligible .
The chancellor added : `` Throughout the crisis the driving force of our economic policy has not changed .
`` I have always said that we will do whatever is necessary to protect jobs and livelihoods as the situation evolves . ''
Cash grants to businesses which are forced to close will also be increased , with up to £3,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them with fixed costs .
It comes amid speculation that England will be carved into three different lockdown tiers next week , with millions of people facing tougher restrictions - particularly in the north - as the government tries to handle rising coronavirus cases .
The new rules are likely to see pubs , cafes and restaurants effectively shut down in the worst-hit places , similar to what has happened in Scotland , where alcohol sales are being restricted for 16 days from today .
Anneliese Dodds , Labour 's shadow chancellor , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is having to tear up his Winter Economic Plan before the autumn is out demonstrates the chaos and incompetence at the heart of government .
His delay in delivering support has caused unnecessary anxiety and job losses .
`` Even at this late stage , he still has no plan to support sectors that are currently unable to operate at full capacity .
`` None of this was inevitable if the chancellor had just taken his fingers out of ears and listened to the warnings from Labour and others . ''
Mayors from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ action was a `` start '' but may not go far enough .
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham , Mayor of North Tyne Jamie Driscoll , Mayor of Sheffield City Region Dan Jarvis and Mayor of Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram said in a joint statement : `` We are pleased that the government has listened and recognised that any new system of restrictions must come with a substantial package of financial support .
`` What has been announced by the chancellor today is a start but , on first look , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enough to prevent genuine hardship , job losses and business failure this winter . ''
Confederation of British Industry director general Dame Carolyn Fairbairn said : `` The chancellor 's more generous job support for those under strict restrictions should cushion the blow for the most affected and keep more people in work .
`` But many firms , including pubs and restaurants , will still be hugely disappointed if they have to close their doors again after doing so much to keep customers and staff safe . ''
Frances O'Grady , general @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` Firms which are n't required to close but will still be hit by stricter local restrictions need a more generous short-time working scheme .
And there needs to be extra help for self-employed people in local lockdown areas too .
`` Nationally , industries like the arts , hospitality , retail and aviation face a long , tough winter .
These sectors need targeted help .
And we need proper investment to create good new jobs in the green tech of the future . ''
: : Subscribe to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Federation of Small Businesses national chairman Mike Cherry said : `` We now need to look at what comes next in terms of further evolution of support mechanisms , especially for those who will not directly benefit from today 's announcement .
`` They include those who have been forced to close but do n't occupy premises , as well as those who are being told to stay shut regardless of location - among them bulwarks of our night-time economies and event industries .
`` While support is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of businesses , we must be alert to suffering right the way down supply chains . ''
The chancellor announced a national furlough scheme in March , shortly after the country went into lockdown , in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19 .
The scheme began to wind down in August - when the ONS estimated 12 % of employees were still using it .
Also among the schemes designed to shield workers from unemployment was Eat Out To Help Out - a government subsidy encouraging people to dine out in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it appears to have had a smaller effect on the economy than hoped - August 's GDP grew by just 2.1 % , well off analysts ' forecasts of 4.6 % and still 9.2 % below its February level .

Workers at businesses forced to shut due to stricter lockdown measures will have two-thirds of their salaries paid by the government.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak unveiled the expansion of the Job Support Scheme, which is a successor to the furlough scheme, saying: "It will provide a safety net for businesses across the UK who are required to temporarily close their doors, giving them the right support at the right time."
Live updates on coronavirus from UK and around world
The government will pay employees who cannot work 67% of their salaries, up to £2,100 a month.
The scheme will come into force on 1 November and run for six months before being reviewed. Employees must be off work for a minimum of seven days to be eligible.
The chancellor added: "Throughout the crisis the driving force of our economic policy has not changed.
"I have always said that we will do whatever is necessary to protect jobs and livelihoods as the situation evolves."
Cash grants to businesses which are forced to close will also be increased, with up to £3,000 per month payable every fortnight to help them with fixed costs.
It comes amid speculation that England will be carved into three different lockdown tiers next week, with millions of people facing tougher restrictions - particularly in the north - as the government tries to handle rising coronavirus cases.
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The new rules are likely to see pubs, cafes and restaurants effectively shut down in the worst-hit places, similar to what has happened in Scotland, where alcohol sales are being restricted for 16 days from today.
Anneliese Dodds, Labour's shadow chancellor, said: "The fact the chancellor is having to tear up his Winter Economic Plan before the autumn is out demonstrates the chaos and incompetence at the heart of government. His delay in delivering support has caused unnecessary anxiety and job losses.
"Even at this late stage, he still has no plan to support sectors that are currently unable to operate at full capacity.
"None of this was inevitable if the chancellor had just taken his fingers out of ears and listened to the warnings from Labour and others."
Mayors from the north of England have said the action was a "start" but may not go far enough.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:15 Are more lockdown measures inevitable?
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, Mayor of North Tyne Jamie Driscoll, Mayor of Sheffield City Region Dan Jarvis and Mayor of Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram said in a joint statement: "We are pleased that the government has listened and recognised that any new system of restrictions must come with a substantial package of financial support.
"What has been announced by the chancellor today is a start but, on first look, it would not appear to have gone far enough to prevent genuine hardship, job losses and business failure this winter."
Confederation of British Industry director general Dame Carolyn Fairbairn said: "The chancellor's more generous job support for those under strict restrictions should cushion the blow for the most affected and keep more people in work.
"But many firms, including pubs and restaurants, will still be hugely disappointed if they have to close their doors again after doing so much to keep customers and staff safe."
Frances O'Grady, general secretary of the Trades Union Congress, said: "Firms which aren't required to close but will still be hit by stricter local restrictions need a more generous short-time working scheme. And there needs to be extra help for self-employed people in local lockdown areas too.
"Nationally, industries like the arts, hospitality, retail and aviation face a long, tough winter. These sectors need targeted help. And we need proper investment to create good new jobs in the green tech of the future."
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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Federation of Small Businesses national chairman Mike Cherry said: "We now need to look at what comes next in terms of further evolution of support mechanisms, especially for those who will not directly benefit from today's announcement.
"They include those who have been forced to close but don't occupy premises, as well as those who are being told to stay shut regardless of location - among them bulwarks of our night-time economies and event industries.
"While support is being more closely targeted at certain kinds of businesses, we must be alert to suffering right the way down supply chains."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:03 'Hospitality is 30% of the infection rate'
The chancellor announced a national furlough scheme in March, shortly after the country went into lockdown, in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19.
The scheme began to wind down in August - when the ONS estimated 12% of employees were still using it.
Also among the schemes designed to shield workers from unemployment was Eat Out To Help Out - a government subsidy encouraging people to dine out in August.
However, despite its popularity, it appears to have had a smaller effect on the economy than hoped - August's GDP grew by just 2.1%, well off analysts' forecasts of 4.6% and still 9.2% below its February level.


skynewspolitics--2020-10-09--Expansion of Job Support Scheme is pre-empting winter of local lockdowns

Throughout the pandemic the chancellor has been consistent on one key point .
He 's always said `` not every job and not every business '' could be saved .
As recently as two weeks ago , when announcing his Job Support Scheme , Rishi Sunak repeated this mantra - the Winter Economy Plan was primarily focused on protecting `` viable jobs '' .
Today 's announcement is in many ways an extension of that mantra but is more focused than its predecessors .
Live coronavirus updates from UK and around world This new expansion of the Jobs Support Scheme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whose companies are `` formally or legally '' asked to close .
In other words , it 's pre-empting a winter of local lockdowns .
It 's specifically looking to protect those affected as part of the new 'tier ' or 'traffic light ' system of COVID-19 restrictions .
Under the scheme , the government will pay two thirds of the wages , up to a maximum of £2,100 a month , of staff who are unable to work because their employer is closed .
The employer will only have to contribute national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also be an increase of the `` generosity and frequency '' of grants given to businesses , up to £3,000 paid every fortnight .
It will be a relief to those working in hospitality , the businesses most likely to have to close again .
But it 's also likely to be welcome to others such as hairdressers and shopkeepers who are unclear how their businesses will be impacted by a potential 'tier three ' shut down .
It notably does not go as far as the furlough scheme which is due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ October .
Under that scheme , workers were paid 80 % of their salary to stay at home up to a cap of £2,500 .
But it does go significantly further than the Job Support Scheme announced two weeks ago .
That will require workers to be on at least a third of their hours with the government topping up a proportion of the hours not worked .
It does n't help those who ca n't open at all .
However even for those eligible this will still amount to a pay cut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ specifically to mandated closure means inevitably there will be businesses excluded .
It does not look likely , for example , that it will support those which have n't been `` legally '' asked to close but who are n't able to operate , for example those working in the exhibitions , events or tourism .
For many businesses too , there are many other costs they 'll be liable for which this wo n't cover .
Bills from suppliers and rents will still need to be paid , many may struggle to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There are also likely to be questions about timing .
This scheme will start on the first of November , coinciding with the end of the furlough scheme , but closures could be mandated as early as next week .
And how much will it cost ?
Well , we do n't know yet .
The chancellor said it would depend on take up .
A treasury spokesperson said it would likely be hundreds of millions a month .
To put that in context the furlough scheme alone has cost £39.3bn to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ implemented to fight the pandemic are already at nearly £150bn .
The Treasury knows the long term cost of losing 'viable ' businesses and jobs during new lockdowns will be larger than protecting them now .
It knew it would have to act and act quickly as policies to protect public health evolved .
It 's unlikely to be a perfect scheme and there will be plenty who fall through the cracks , but it will provide respite for some .

Throughout the pandemic the chancellor has been consistent on one key point. He's always said "not every job and not every business" could be saved.
As recently as two weeks ago, when announcing his Job Support Scheme, Rishi Sunak repeated this mantra - the Winter Economy Plan was primarily focused on protecting "viable jobs".
Today's announcement is in many ways an extension of that mantra but is more focused than its predecessors.
Live coronavirus updates from UK and around world
This new expansion of the Jobs Support Scheme is specifically aimed at protecting those workers whose companies are "formally or legally" asked to close.
In other words, it's pre-empting a winter of local lockdowns.
It's specifically looking to protect those affected as part of the new 'tier' or 'traffic light' system of COVID-19 restrictions.
Under the scheme, the government will pay two thirds of the wages, up to a maximum of £2,100 a month, of staff who are unable to work because their employer is closed. The employer will only have to contribute national insurance payments and pension.
There will also be an increase of the "generosity and frequency" of grants given to businesses, up to £3,000 paid every fortnight.
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It will be a relief to those working in hospitality, the businesses most likely to have to close again. But it's also likely to be welcome to others such as hairdressers and shopkeepers who are unclear how their businesses will be impacted by a potential 'tier three' shut down.
It notably does not go as far as the furlough scheme which is due to come to finish at the end of October.
Under that scheme, workers were paid 80% of their salary to stay at home up to a cap of £2,500.
But it does go significantly further than the Job Support Scheme announced two weeks ago.
That will require workers to be on at least a third of their hours with the government topping up a proportion of the hours not worked. It doesn't help those who can't open at all.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:31 Sunak announces job support scheme expansion
However even for those eligible this will still amount to a pay cut.
The fact it's linked so specifically to mandated closure means inevitably there will be businesses excluded.
It does not look likely, for example, that it will support those which haven't been "legally" asked to close but who aren't able to operate, for example those working in the exhibitions, events or tourism.
For many businesses too, there are many other costs they'll be liable for which this won't cover. Bills from suppliers and rents will still need to be paid, many may struggle to afford even the NI and pension contributions.
There are also likely to be questions about timing. This scheme will start on the first of November, coinciding with the end of the furlough scheme, but closures could be mandated as early as next week.
And how much will it cost? Well, we don't know yet. The chancellor said it would depend on take up. A treasury spokesperson said it would likely be hundreds of millions a month.
To put that in context the furlough scheme alone has cost £39.3bn to the Treasury and the cost of measures implemented to fight the pandemic are already at nearly £150bn.
The Treasury knows the long term cost of losing 'viable' businesses and jobs during new lockdowns will be larger than protecting them now.
It knew it would have to act and act quickly as policies to protect public health evolved.
It's unlikely to be a perfect scheme and there will be plenty who fall through the cracks, but it will provide respite for some.


skynewspolitics--2020-10-10--Northern leaders warn over further restrictions as PM prepares to unveil new lockdown system

Leaders in the north of England have warned further coronavirus restrictions would have a `` devastating '' effect on the country and the overall regional economy .
Their comments come as Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to make a statement to MPs on Monday amid expectations that a three-tier local lockdown system will be introduced across England .
Doctors have also accused the government of `` letting down its guard '' and said `` inconsistent '' messaging since the nationwide lockdown was lifted had played a part in the resurgence of the virus .
The British Medical Association ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are needed to halt the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak - and published a wish list of recommendations , calling for face masks to be mandatory indoors and outdoors .
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer accused the government of `` serial incompetence '' in its economic approach to the coronavirus crisis .
Speaking at a Co-operative Party virtual conference , he said : `` At the moment , amongst my concerns is that the government has n't really got any anchors .
It 's bobbing all over the place . ''
The three-tier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Levels - are expected to be medium , high and very high .
Under a very high alert , pubs and bars would have to shut , but not restaurants .
In a joint letter to the chancellor and health and housing secretaries on Friday , mayors and councillors said another lockdown will result in the `` levelling down '' of the region and `` undo the good work we have done over the last decade to improve the fortunes of our people '' .
They said : `` We remain to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses would be the most effective way of tackling the virus , particularly when the health of our economy , people 's jobs and livelihoods are at stake .
`` Therefore , we are concerned by rumours in the media that we might be pushed into Level 3 of a new system set to be introduced , without any discussion or consultation , or without adequate economic measures put in place to support affected people and businesses . ''
Fresh measures could be implemented in the northwest of England as soon as Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sky News understands .
A number of possibilities were outlined during a telephone meeting between local leaders and Westminster figures , including the prime minister 's chief strategic adviser Sir Edward Lister , on Friday .
Sources from the meeting have told Sky News the government proposed advice which would stop people travelling in and out of the worst-hit areas .
The expected measures in the north of England come as Fiona Lemmens , chair of the NHS Liverpool Clinical Commissioning Group , said the situation in the city 's Aintree and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` All of the indicators are that the situation is going to get worse over the next two to three weeks as our current high community transmission rates convert into hospital admissions , '' she said .
`` The age of affected patients is much higher in Liverpool than elsewhere in the North West so we can expect to see growing demand for hospital and Intensive Therapy Unit beds . ''
Her concerns were echoed by Dr Susan Hopkins , deputy director of Public Health England 's national infection service , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over-60s in Liverpool is `` worrying '' .
Asked whether people flouting the rules was in part to blame for an increase in transmissions across England , she replied : `` Overall , people have shifted their behaviour ... and the vast majority , more than 70 % , want to do the right thing . ''
She said the most important step people can take is to reduce contact with others .
The developments come amid concerns an expansion of the UK-wide Job Support Scheme , announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at businesses forced to close because of stricter lockdown measures will have two-thirds of their salaries paid by the government .
Andy Burnham , mayor of Greater Manchester , Jamie Driscoll , mayor of North Tyne , Dan Jarvis , mayor of the Sheffield City region , and Steve Rotheram , mayor of the Liverpool City region , said : `` On first look , it would not appear to have gone far enough to prevent genuine hardship , job losses and business failure this winter . ''
They and other northern leaders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the idea `` in more detail '' .
Mel Green , manager of The Black Bull in Otley , West Yorkshire , said two-thirds of somebody 's wage `` is n't going to cut it '' .
The pub trade is one in which `` everyone 's on national minimum wage pretty much '' , and a lot of staff `` are living hand to mouth already and they 've already had hours reduced '' , she said .
Shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds told Sky News : `` The really critical thing is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in step with those public health measures .
We have not had that until now . ''
The Labour MP urged the chancellor to go further due to `` the quite worrying levels of unemployment '' across the UK , `` particularly in those areas subject to more restrictions '' .
: : Subscribe to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker In the regular daily update , another 13,864 coronavirus cases and a further 87 deaths were announced across the UK on Friday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the highest coronavirus infection rates are in the north of England , Sky News analysis has found .
And the UK 's coronavirus reproduction ( R ) number has decreased slightly to a maximum of 1.5 , according to the latest government figures .
On Sophy Ridge on Sunday tomorrow from 8.30am watch Scotland 's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon , Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick , shadow work and pensions secretary Jonathan Reynolds and former Labour communications chief Alastair Campbell

Leaders in the north of England have warned further coronavirus restrictions would have a "devastating" effect on the country and the overall regional economy.
Their comments come as Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to make a statement to MPs on Monday amid expectations that a three-tier local lockdown system will be introduced across England.
Doctors have also accused the government of "letting down its guard" and said "inconsistent" messaging since the nationwide lockdown was lifted had played a part in the resurgence of the virus.
The British Medical Association (BMA) said clearer, stronger measures are needed to halt the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak - and published a wish list of recommendations, calling for face masks to be mandatory indoors and outdoors.
Image: Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to announce a three-tier local lockdown system
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer accused the government of "serial incompetence" in its economic approach to the coronavirus crisis.
Speaking at a Co-operative Party virtual conference, he said: "At the moment, amongst my concerns is that the government hasn't really got any anchors. It's bobbing all over the place."
The three-tier system - known as Local COVID Alert Levels - are expected to be medium, high and very high.
Under a very high alert, pubs and bars would have to shut, but not restaurants.
In a joint letter to the chancellor and health and housing secretaries on Friday, mayors and councillors said another lockdown will result in the "levelling down" of the region and "undo the good work we have done over the last decade to improve the fortunes of our people".
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:27 'I can't bear to think of the next 12 months'
They said: "We remain to be convinced that further restrictions that involve closing businesses would be the most effective way of tackling the virus, particularly when the health of our economy, people's jobs and livelihoods are at stake.
"Therefore, we are concerned by rumours in the media that we might be pushed into Level 3 of a new system set to be introduced, without any discussion or consultation, or without adequate economic measures put in place to support affected people and businesses."
Fresh measures could be implemented in the northwest of England as soon as Wednesday because of rising cases of COVID-19, Sky News understands.
A number of possibilities were outlined during a telephone meeting between local leaders and Westminster figures, including the prime minister's chief strategic adviser Sir Edward Lister, on Friday.
Sources from the meeting have told Sky News the government proposed advice which would stop people travelling in and out of the worst-hit areas.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:54 How effective is the contact- tracing app?
The expected measures in the north of England come as Fiona Lemmens, chair of the NHS Liverpool Clinical Commissioning Group, said the situation in the city's Aintree and the Royal hospitals is "very concerning".
"All of the indicators are that the situation is going to get worse over the next two to three weeks as our current high community transmission rates convert into hospital admissions," she said.
"The age of affected patients is much higher in Liverpool than elsewhere in the North West so we can expect to see growing demand for hospital and Intensive Therapy Unit beds."
Her concerns were echoed by Dr Susan Hopkins, deputy director of Public Health England's national infection service, who told Sky News the increase among the over-60s in Liverpool is "worrying".
Asked whether people flouting the rules was in part to blame for an increase in transmissions across England, she replied: "Overall, people have shifted their behaviour... and the vast majority, more than 70%, want to do the right thing."
She said the most important step people can take is to reduce contact with others.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:13 Govt 'far too blasé about impact of long-term unemployment'
The developments come amid concerns an expansion of the UK-wide Job Support Scheme, announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak, may not go far enough.
Workers at businesses forced to close because of stricter lockdown measures will have two-thirds of their salaries paid by the government.
Andy Burnham, mayor of Greater Manchester, Jamie Driscoll, mayor of North Tyne, Dan Jarvis, mayor of the Sheffield City region, and Steve Rotheram, mayor of the Liverpool City region, said: "On first look, it would not appear to have gone far enough to prevent genuine hardship, job losses and business failure this winter."
They and other northern leaders will be meeting on Saturday to discuss the idea "in more detail".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:00 Is the NHS contact tracing app working?
Mel Green, manager of The Black Bull in Otley, West Yorkshire, said two-thirds of somebody's wage "isn't going to cut it".
The pub trade is one in which "everyone's on national minimum wage pretty much", and a lot of staff "are living hand to mouth already and they've already had hours reduced", she said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:06 What do businesses think of new support?
Shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds told Sky News: "The really critical thing is the economic support needs to be moving in step with those public health measures. We have not had that until now."
The Labour MP urged the chancellor to go further due to "the quite worrying levels of unemployment" across the UK, "particularly in those areas subject to more restrictions".
:: Subscribe to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
In the regular daily update, another 13,864 coronavirus cases and a further 87 deaths were announced across the UK on Friday.
Five of the 22 European regions with the highest coronavirus infection rates are in the north of England, Sky News analysis has found.
And the UK's coronavirus reproduction (R) number has decreased slightly to a maximum of 1.5, according to the latest government figures.
On Sophy Ridge on Sunday tomorrow from 8.30am watch Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick, shadow work and pensions secretary Jonathan Reynolds and former Labour communications chief Alastair Campbell


skynewspolitics--2020-10-10--UK will 'explore every avenue' to reach Brexit agreement, PM tells Macron

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has told the French leader that the UK will explore `` every avenue '' to reach a trade deal with the EU .
Mr Johnson spoke with Emmanuel Macron over the phone on Saturday morning as the deadline for securing an agreement nudges closer .
The PM told Mr Macron that the UK was actively looking to strike a deal , but that he was prepared to leave the Brexit transition period at the end of the year on `` Australia-style terms '' with the EU if needed .
Though the EU and Australia have agreements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a full free trade deal and most trade is done on WTO rules .
An EU-UK trade deal needs to be reached before the end of October , to allow for the ratification of legislation before the end of the transition period on 31 December .
A Number 10 spokesman said : `` The prime minister ... set out the latest state of play in the negotiations on the future relationship between the UK and the EU .
`` He confirmed the UK 's commitment to exploring every avenue to reach an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal was better for both sides , but also that the UK was prepared to end the transition period on Australia-style terms if an agreement could not be found .
`` The prime minister emphasised that progress must be made in the coming days to bridge the significant gaps , notably in the areas of fisheries and the level playing field , through the process of intensive talks between chief negotiators agreed with the president of the European Commission .
`` The leaders agreed to keep in touch on the issue . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Negotiators met in London on Friday for face-to-face talks , with more discussions set to be held next week .
Earlier in the week , Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said there was a 66 % chance of a deal being struck between the UK and EU .
He suggested there had been progress in the negotiations - despite ongoing differences on fisheries and other issues .

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has told the French leader that the UK will explore "every avenue" to reach a trade deal with the EU.
Mr Johnson spoke with Emmanuel Macron over the phone on Saturday morning as the deadline for securing an agreement nudges closer.
The PM told Mr Macron that the UK was actively looking to strike a deal, but that he was prepared to leave the Brexit transition period at the end of the year on "Australia-style terms" with the EU if needed.
Though the EU and Australia have agreements on trade, they currently do not have a full free trade deal and most trade is done on WTO rules.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:17 EU: 'Significant gaps' remain
An EU-UK trade deal needs to be reached before the end of October, to allow for the ratification of legislation before the end of the transition period on 31 December.
A Number 10 spokesman said: "The prime minister... set out the latest state of play in the negotiations on the future relationship between the UK and the EU.
"He confirmed the UK's commitment to exploring every avenue to reach an agreement.
"He underlined that a deal was better for both sides, but also that the UK was prepared to end the transition period on Australia-style terms if an agreement could not be found.
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"The prime minister emphasised that progress must be made in the coming days to bridge the significant gaps, notably in the areas of fisheries and the level playing field, through the process of intensive talks between chief negotiators agreed with the president of the European Commission.
"The leaders agreed to keep in touch on the issue."
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Negotiators met in London on Friday for face-to-face talks, with more discussions set to be held next week.
Earlier in the week, Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said there was a 66% chance of a deal being struck between the UK and EU.
He suggested there had been progress in the negotiations - despite ongoing differences on fisheries and other issues.


skynewspolitics--2020-10-11--Matt Hancock denies breaching 10pm drinking curfew in Commons bar

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has denied claims he broke the government 's coronavirus drinking curfew by continuing to consume alcohol in the Commons bar after 10pm .
A senior Tory MP told the Mail on Sunday that Mr Hancock remained in the Smoking Room bar until at least 10.25pm on Monday , despite House Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle insisting Commons venues must abide by the same curfew as all English pubs .
The newspaper also reported Mr Hancock arrived at the bar just before a 9.40pm vote , ordered a glass of white wine and joked : `` The drinks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England are in charge of the payment methodology so I will not be paying anything . ''
Mr Hancock 's alleged reference to Public Health England came after he had addressed the Commons regarding the controversy over the organisation misplacing nearly 16,000 coronavirus test results .
The health secretary 's spokesman insisted the minister had not broken curfew rules .
He said : `` The proposed timeline of events is false and no rules have been broken .
`` The secretary of state was in the Smoking Room prior to the vote that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Smoking Room to vote .
The vote took place at 9.42pm .
`` The secretary of state then departed the parliamentary estate to go home . ''
However , a government source told the PA news agency that Mr Hancock had made the joke as reported .
The accusations come at a highly sensitive time for the government as mayors in northern England have expressed opposition to expected moves next week to shut down parts of the hospitality sector , such as pubs .
: : Subscribe to the All Out Politics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Spotify , Spreaker Asked about reports Mr Hancock had been excluded from some high level meetings regarding the coronavirus outbreak , a government spokesperson said the claims were `` totally false '' .
England 's deputy chief medical officer has said the country has reached a tipping point similar to the first wave of coronavirus but is still in a position to stop history repeating itself .
It comes as the UK reported another 15,166 coronavirus cases and a further 81 deaths in the daily update on Saturday .
The figures marked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's daily figures - when 87 deaths were reported - and means the UK has now recorded 42,760 coronavirus-related deaths .

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has denied claims he broke the government's coronavirus drinking curfew by continuing to consume alcohol in the Commons bar after 10pm.
A senior Tory MP told the Mail on Sunday that Mr Hancock remained in the Smoking Room bar until at least 10.25pm on Monday, despite House Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle insisting Commons venues must abide by the same curfew as all English pubs.
The newspaper also reported Mr Hancock arrived at the bar just before a 9.40pm vote, ordered a glass of white wine and joked: "The drinks are on me - but Public Health England are in charge of the payment methodology so I will not be paying anything."
Mr Hancock's alleged reference to Public Health England came after he had addressed the Commons regarding the controversy over the organisation misplacing nearly 16,000 coronavirus test results.
The health secretary's spokesman insisted the minister had not broken curfew rules.
He said: "The proposed timeline of events is false and no rules have been broken.
"The secretary of state was in the Smoking Room prior to the vote that evening. The secretary of state left the Smoking Room to vote. The vote took place at 9.42pm.
"The secretary of state then departed the parliamentary estate to go home."
However, a government source told the PA news agency that Mr Hancock had made the joke as reported.
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The accusations come at a highly sensitive time for the government as mayors in northern England have expressed opposition to expected moves next week to shut down parts of the hospitality sector, such as pubs.
:: Subscribe to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Asked about reports Mr Hancock had been excluded from some high level meetings regarding the coronavirus outbreak, a government spokesperson said the claims were "totally false".
England's deputy chief medical officer has said the country has reached a tipping point similar to the first wave of coronavirus but is still in a position to stop history repeating itself.
It comes as the UK reported another 15,166 coronavirus cases and a further 81 deaths in the daily update on Saturday.
The figures marked a rise of 1,302 cases on Friday's daily figures - when 87 deaths were reported - and means the UK has now recorded 42,760 coronavirus-related deaths.


skynewspolitics--2020-10-11--MP who travelled with COVID says virus 'makes you do things out of character'

MP Margaret Ferrier has insisted she will not resign despite backlash for travelling to parliament after developing coronavirus symptoms , saying the virus made her act `` out of character '' .
Ms Ferrier , previously an SNP MP , admitted to travelling to London from Glasgow after taking a coronavirus test last month , and said once she had received a positive result , took the train back to her Scottish constituency - a breach of coronavirus rules in Scotland and England .
Speaking to Sophy Ridge On Sunday , First Minister Nicola Sturgeon reiterated her call for Ms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MP 's `` lapse of judgement '' was `` so significant and so unacceptable '' after `` flagrantly '' disobeying the rules .
But Ms Ferrier told the Scottish Sun she had no intention of standing down from her position of MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West , despite pressure from the SNP party leadership .
She said : `` This has been an awful experience , but I 'll keep fighting for my constituents because that 's who I am . ''
Ms Ferrier said she had `` owned up and apologised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Westminster despite developing coronavirus symptoms was because she wanted to `` represent her constituents '' and take part in a debate in parliament , which she could not do virtually .
`` I was fine on Saturday morning .
Later on in the afternoon I had a tickly throat , '' she told the paper .
`` I went for the test that evening .
And when I woke up at home the next day I had no symptoms .
`` I think that 's why I was so shocked and panicked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ result and thought , 'how has this happened because I do n't feel unwell ?
`` Over the last six months the regulations and guidelines have changed and been so muddled . ''
: : Subscribe to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' You feel you are getting a lot of criticism from people you thought were your colleagues or friends who 'd understand it was an error of judgement .
I 'm not denying that , '' she added .
`` People @ @ @ @ @ @ @ known better , you 're a public figure ' .
But at the end of the day it still hurts .
You then think about all that hard work and dedication - is that just wiped away ?
`` I felt well when I got up on Monday morning .
If I 'd in any way felt any symptoms I would not have travelled , obviously .
`` I was going to London because I was wanting to represent my constituents , take part in a debate .
That was my reasoning .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ do n't have a full virtual parliament . ''
Ms Ferrier does not have a property in London , and instead stays in a hotel close to Westminster , and explained she was concerned she would have to isolate there for two weeks , prompting the trip back to Glasgow .
`` There were no other people next to me in the carriage and I wore a mask the whole way back , '' she said , adding : `` A lot of people say COVID makes you do things out of character @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'm not making an excuse .
`` At that moment when I thought it would come back negative and it was positive I was utterly shocked .
You could have knocked me over . ''
However , Ms Sturgeon told Sophy Ridge On Sunday she maintained her stance on the issue .
`` I can not be clearer : She [ Ms Ferrier ] should step down from parliament , '' she said .
`` The lapse of judgement in travelling hundreds of miles , knowing she had tested positive for COVID @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'd have to say I do n't think there is any other acceptable course of action for her .
`` I hope she will do the right thing . ''
SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford has also called for Ms Ferrier to resign and removed the party whip from her .
Last week , Metropolitan Police said it was investigating Ms Ferrier .

MP Margaret Ferrier has insisted she will not resign despite backlash for travelling to parliament after developing coronavirus symptoms, saying the virus made her act "out of character".
Ms Ferrier, previously an SNP MP, admitted to travelling to London from Glasgow after taking a coronavirus test last month, and said once she had received a positive result, took the train back to her Scottish constituency - a breach of coronavirus rules in Scotland and England.
Speaking to Sophy Ridge On Sunday, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon reiterated her call for Ms Ferrier to step down, saying the MP's "lapse of judgement" was "so significant and so unacceptable" after "flagrantly" disobeying the rules.
But Ms Ferrier told the Scottish Sun she had no intention of standing down from her position of MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West, despite pressure from the SNP party leadership.
Image: Journey taken by MP Margaret Ferrier while she had coronavirus - to London from Glasgow and back again
She said: "This has been an awful experience, but I'll keep fighting for my constituents because that's who I am."
Ms Ferrier said she had "owned up and apologised profusely" and the reason she travelled to Westminster despite developing coronavirus symptoms was because she wanted to "represent her constituents" and take part in a debate in parliament, which she could not do virtually.
"I was fine on Saturday morning. Later on in the afternoon I had a tickly throat," she told the paper.
"I went for the test that evening. And when I woke up at home the next day I had no symptoms.
"I think that's why I was so shocked and panicked on Monday night when I got my result and thought, 'how has this happened because I don't feel unwell?
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"Over the last six months the regulations and guidelines have changed and been so muddled."
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"You feel you are getting a lot of criticism from people you thought were your colleagues or friends who'd understand it was an error of judgement. I'm not denying that," she added.
"People may be saying, 'you should have known better, you're a public figure'. But at the end of the day it still hurts. You then think about all that hard work and dedication - is that just wiped away?
"I felt well when I got up on Monday morning. If I'd in any way felt any symptoms I would not have travelled, obviously.
"I was going to London because I was wanting to represent my constituents, take part in a debate. That was my reasoning.
"I was being diligent. We don't have a full virtual parliament."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:15 Ferrier resists calls to resign
Ms Ferrier does not have a property in London, and instead stays in a hotel close to Westminster, and explained she was concerned she would have to isolate there for two weeks, prompting the trip back to Glasgow.
"There were no other people next to me in the carriage and I wore a mask the whole way back," she said, adding: "A lot of people say COVID makes you do things out of character. You are not thinking straight. I'm not making an excuse.
"At that moment when I thought it would come back negative and it was positive I was utterly shocked. You could have knocked me over."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:48 Ferrier 'should consider her position', says Sturgeon
However, Ms Sturgeon told Sophy Ridge On Sunday she maintained her stance on the issue.
"I cannot be clearer: She [Ms Ferrier] should step down from parliament," she said.
"The lapse of judgement in travelling hundreds of miles, knowing she had tested positive for COVID was so significant and so unacceptable that I'd have to say I don't think there is any other acceptable course of action for her.
"I hope she will do the right thing."
SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford has also called for Ms Ferrier to resign and removed the party whip from her.
Last week, Metropolitan Police said it was investigating Ms Ferrier.


skynewspolitics--2020-10-11--Millions could be banned from socialising under new three-tier coronavirus restrictions

Millions of people could be banned from mixing inside and outside - and thousands of pubs might be forced to close under new coronavirus restrictions .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is due to gather cabinet ministers for a phone call on Sunday evening , ahead of revealing a new three-tiered system of restrictions on Monday , with measures expected to force hospitality venues to shut across the north of England .
Under the proposed system , different parts of the country would be placed in different categories , with areas in the highest level expected to face the toughest measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people living in areas with high COVID-19 rates across England , and comes amid mounting concern over the growing number of coronavirus cases and the capacity of intensive care units at hospitals .
Leaders across northern England have criticised the government 's plans which they say have been drawn up without consulting them from the outset .
They have also not ruled out legal action .
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick rejected claims there has been a lack of consultation with regional chiefs .
He told Sky 's Sophy Ridge on Sunday the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID hotspots `` in conjunction with people who know those places best '' .
Asked on what basis areas will move between tiers that could carry a harsher lockdown , he said people would need to `` wait to see what the PM says '' but a range of different factors have been taken into account .
Cases per 100,000 are `` significant '' - but also hospitalisations and the nature of infections , he said .
`` Though the number of cases is rising rapidly across the country there are still huge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If you go to North Norfolk the latest statistics showed that the number of cases is around 19 , if you go to Manchester it 's well over 500 .
`` So , it is right that we pursue a localised approach .
That must be the way forward because none of us want to see a return to blanket national measures - that would be the alternative . ''
Asked if there would be a ban on mixing outside , Mr Jenrick did not rule it out and said he `` ca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be support for those people affected by fresh restrictions .
Northern leaders have called for a better financial package from Chancellor Rishi Sunak , who has pledged workers at businesses forced to shut due to stricter lockdown measures will have two-thirds of their salaries paid by the government .
`` We ca n't promise to protect every job and every business , '' he said , but can offer `` hope and opportunity '' to people with more money for training and apprenticeships , adding that the chancellor had put forward a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses '' .
Westminster has been drawing up proposals to give mayors more powers over the test and trace system to try to secure the support of northern leaders , according to The Sunday Times .
Details of the plans were being thrashed out between ministers and mayors on Saturday amid warnings that immediate action is needed to stop the NHS being swamped in the North , the newspaper added .
Asked if local mayors would be given more control over test and trace efforts , Mr Jenrick told Ridge : `` Yes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the local mayors and with the councils .
`` We are going to be ensuring that the national testing infrastructure ... works in harmony with what 's happening locally ... because local councils and local communities are very good at contact tracing . ''
Northern leaders have called for MPs to vote on the chancellor 's targeted furlough scheme for the hospitality industry in areas where tougher restrictions are imposed .
Shadow foreign secretary Lisa Nandy told the BBC 's Andrew Marr Show northern Labour Party MPs will be looking at mechanisms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we really want , though , is for the government to come forward with a package of financial support that enables people to comply with the health restrictions , '' she said .
`` People are being told that they 're going to have to exist on 67 % of their wages despite not having a job to go to , but they 're having to pay 100 % of their rent and bills . ''
: : Subscribe to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of people in hospital with coronavirus increased across every part of England on Saturday - rising to 1,167 in the North West from 725 previous week .
England 's deputy chief medical officer Professor Jonathan Van-Tam warned the country is at a tipping point similar to the first wave of coronavirus , but can prevent history repeating itself .
A further 15,166 lab-confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK were reported on Saturday , and 81 more deaths were confirmed of people who died within 28 days of testing positive for COVID-19 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ statistics agencies show there have now been 58,000 deaths registered in the UK where COVID-19 was mentioned on the death certificate .
In North Wales , new coronavirus restrictions were introduced in Bangor at 6pm on Saturday , meaning people will not be allowed to enter or leave the area without a `` reasonable excuse '' and can only meet people they do not live with outdoors .

Five Manchester MPs have warned the government against shutting pubs and restaurants under new coronavirus restrictions - as millions of people could be banned from mixing inside and outside.
They said a shutdown of hospitality venues would have a "devastating impact on jobs, livelihoods and businesses" and lead to illegal gatherings.
It comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson gathers cabinet ministers for a phone call this evening, to brief them ahead of revealing a new three-tiered system of restrictions on Monday.
Under the proposed system, different parts of the country would be placed in different categories, with areas in the highest level expected to face the toughest measures.
The move could affect millions of people living in areas with high COVID-19 rates across England, and comes amid mounting concern over the growing number of coronavirus cases and the capacity of intensive care units at hospitals.
In the letter, signed by Lucy Powell, Jeff Smith, Mike Kane, Afzal Khan and Graham Stringer and sent to the prime minister and chancellor, the Manchester MPs argue a big proportion of COVID-19 cases in the city are largely among students and "confined" to halls of residence.
They also say hospitality firms "constitute a very small proportion of infection rates" so authorities want powers to close individual companies that are not COVID-secure.
They added they would not support Manchester being put under tier 3 lockdown restrictions.
Leaders across northern England have criticised the government's plans which they say have been drawn up without consulting them from the outset. They have also not ruled out legal action.
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Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick rejected claims there has been a lack of consultation with regional chiefs.
He told Sky's Sophy Ridge on Sunday the government has been "designing" restrictions for COVID hotspots "in conjunction with people who know those places best".
Asked on what basis areas will move between tiers that could carry a harsher lockdown, he said people would need to "wait to see what the PM says" but a range of different factors have been taken into account.
Cases per 100,000 are "significant" - but also hospitalisations and the nature of infections, he said.
"Though the number of cases is rising rapidly across the country there are still huge variations," he said. "If you go to North Norfolk the latest statistics showed that the number of cases is around 19, if you go to Manchester it's well over 500.
"So, it is right that we pursue a localised approach. That must be the way forward because none of us want to see a return to blanket national measures - that would be the alternative."
Asked if there would be a ban on mixing outside, Mr Jenrick did not rule it out and said he "can't say", but added there would be support for those people affected by fresh restrictions.
Northern leaders have called for a better financial package from Chancellor Rishi Sunak, who has pledged workers at businesses forced to shut due to stricter lockdown measures will have two-thirds of their salaries paid by the government.
Mr Jenrick told Ridge ministers understood a "challenging" winter lies ahead.
"We can't promise to protect every job and every business," he said, but can offer "hope and opportunity" to people with more money for training and apprenticeships, adding that the chancellor had put forward a "fair and generous package to support businesses".
Image: People in Liverpool were out on the town ahead on Saturday night before measures are expected to be tightened
Westminster has been drawing up proposals to give mayors more powers over the test and trace system to try to secure the support of northern leaders, according to The Sunday Times.
Details of the plans were being thrashed out between ministers and mayors on Saturday amid warnings that immediate action is needed to stop the NHS being swamped in the North, the newspaper added.
Asked if local mayors would be given more control over test and trace efforts, Mr Jenrick told Ridge: "Yes, we want to work very closely with the local mayors and with the councils.
"We are going to be ensuring that the national testing infrastructure... works in harmony with what's happening locally... because local councils and local communities are very good at contact tracing."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:22 Burnham: Govt measures will 'widen North-South divide' the economy
Northern leaders have called for MPs to vote on the chancellor's targeted furlough scheme for the hospitality industry in areas where tougher restrictions are imposed.
Shadow foreign secretary Lisa Nandy told the BBC's Andrew Marr Show northern Labour Party MPs will be looking at mechanisms to ensure this happens.
"What we really want, though, is for the government to come forward with a package of financial support that enables people to comply with the health restrictions," she said.
"People are being told that they're going to have to exist on 67% of their wages despite not having a job to go to, but they're having to pay 100% of their rent and bills."
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It comes as the number of people in hospital with coronavirus increased across every part of England on Saturday - rising to 1,167 in the North West from 725 previous week.
England's deputy chief medical officer Professor Jonathan Van-Tam warned the country is at a tipping point similar to the first wave of coronavirus, but can prevent history repeating itself.
A further 15,166 lab-confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK were reported on Saturday, and 81 more deaths were confirmed of people who died within 28 days of testing positive for COVID-19.
Separate figures published by the UK's statistics agencies show there have now been 58,000 deaths registered in the UK where COVID-19 was mentioned on the death certificate.
In North Wales, new coronavirus restrictions were introduced in Bangor at 6pm on Saturday, meaning people will not be allowed to enter or leave the area without a "reasonable excuse" and can only meet people they do not live with outdoors.


skynewspolitics--2020-10-11--PM to announce three-tier lockdown system after COBRA meeting

The prime minister will announce a new three-tier lockdown system for England today , with `` medium '' , `` high '' and `` very high '' alert levels .
However , discussions with local leaders are ongoing to decide which parts of the country will face which restrictions .
Boris Johnson will chair an emergency COBRA meeting on Monday morning , before updating parliament on the new rules .
He will also hold a televised news conference with the chancellor and chief medical officer .
MPs will debate and vote on the national framework later this week , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote on local lockdown decisions .
It is understood negotiations are most advanced with Liverpool City leaders , who were told they could face tier three restrictions .
Under the `` very high '' alert level pubs , bars , gyms and casinos are expected to close , but restaurants and pubs offering `` substantive meals '' would stay open .
A senior government source said there will be a `` degree of discretion '' for local leaders within the tiers .
After speaking to the prime minister , Steve Rotherham , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said new restrictions `` must come with the financial support to protect jobs and businesses '' .
Leaders in the region say they are expecting a financial contribution for track and trace and enforcement , but funding for local government is still being discussed .
It comes as five Manchester MPs warned the government against shutting pubs and restaurants under new coronavirus restrictions .
They said a shutdown of hospitality venues would have a `` devastating impact on jobs , livelihoods and businesses '' and lead to illegal gatherings .
David Greenhalgh , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also told the BBC the latest financial package is `` frankly unacceptable '' .
A Downing Street spokesperson said this is a `` critical juncture '' and Chancellor Rishi Sunak 's expanded Jobs Support Scheme will `` protect jobs and enable businesses to reopen quickly once restrictions are lifted '' .
New measures announced by Mr Sunak last week will see staff paid two-thirds of their wages if their employer is forced to shut because of stricter lockdown measures .
Latest coronavirus figures reported on Sunday recorded 12,872 more cases and 65 deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturday , when there were 15,166 cases and 81 deaths .

The prime minister will announce a new three-tier lockdown system for England today, with "medium", "high" and "very high" alert levels.
However, discussions with local leaders are ongoing to decide which parts of the country will face which restrictions.
Boris Johnson will chair a meeting of the emergency COBRA committee on Monday morning, before updating parliament on the new rules at around 3.30pm.
He will also hold a televised news conference with the chancellor and chief medical officer, which is expected to take place at 6pm.
Live updates on coronavirus from UK and around world
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:22 Burnham: Govt measures will 'widen North-South divide'
MPs will debate and vote on the national framework later this week, but the government is not committing to a vote on local lockdown decisions.
It is understood negotiations are most advanced with Liverpool City leaders, who were told they could face tier three restrictions.
Under the "very high" alert level pubs, bars, gyms and casinos are expected to close, but restaurants and pubs offering "substantive meals" would stay open.
A senior government source said there will be a "degree of discretion" for local leaders within the tiers.
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After speaking to the prime minister, Steve Rotheram, the mayor of the Liverpool city region, said new restrictions "must come with the financial support to protect jobs and businesses".
Leaders in the region say they are expecting a financial contribution for track and trace and enforcement, but funding for local government is still being discussed.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:27 'I can't bear to think of the next 12 months'
It comes as five Manchester MPs warned the government against shutting pubs and restaurants under new coronavirus restrictions.
They said a shutdown of hospitality venues would have a "devastating impact on jobs, livelihoods and businesses" and lead to illegal gatherings.
David Greenhalgh, the Conservative leader of Bolton Council, also told the BBC the latest financial package is "frankly unacceptable".
A Downing Street spokesperson said this is a "critical juncture" and Chancellor Rishi Sunak's expanded Jobs Support Scheme will "protect jobs and enable businesses to reopen quickly once restrictions are lifted".
New measures announced by Mr Sunak last week will see staff paid two-thirds of their wages if their employer is forced to shut because of stricter lockdown measures.
Latest coronavirus figures reported on Sunday recorded 12,872 more cases and 65 deaths.
It is a slight fall from Saturday, when there were 15,166 cases and 81 deaths.


skynewspolitics--2020-10-11--Sturgeon reads out private Salmond messages to dispel 'conspiracy' theories

Nicola Sturgeon has read out a message exchange with Alex Salmond live on Sky News in a bid to prove she did not `` cover up '' serious allegations of sexual misconduct against him .
Mr Salmond was cleared in court earlier this year of 13 sexual assault charges .
The Scottish first minister denied she was withholding evidence from an inquiry examining the government 's handling of an investigation into her predecessor 's behaviour .
She told Sky News she understood that it was better for Mr Salmond for people to think `` there was a big conspiracy against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will turn up the heat on an already tense row with her friend and mentor of 30 years , Ms Sturgeon said the problem was `` age-old '' .
She explained it was a case of `` man accused of misconduct against a woman '' with a woman who then `` ends up answering for them '' .
In response , a source close to Mr Salmond - who was cleared of 13 charges of sexual assault , attempted rape and indecent exposure at the High Court in Edinburgh in March 2020 - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ angry with her , but `` astonished at the ever shifting sands of her story '' .
An investigation is now under way by the Scottish Parliament into the government 's handling of the complaints against Mr Salmond , who was later awarded £500,000 in legal costs after the government admitted in court that the inquiry had not been conducted properly .
Asked on Sophy Ridge On Sunday about a report that allies of Mr Salmond claimed Ms Sturgeon was withholding some messages from evidence , she said she had `` nothing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him on 5 November ( understood to be 2017 ) in response to a Sky News query about his conduct , asking : `` Hi , when are you free to speak this morning ? ''
Ms Sturgeon said she followed it up with an `` any developments ? ''
message later and then another asking `` you free for a word ? ''
the following day .
`` So , I 'm setting up a conversation that I have told the parliamentary inquiry about , it 's hardly a big revelation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added : `` I can understand why people in my party might want an alternative explanation for all of this… At every stage I have tried to do the right thing and not cover it up .
`` I think the reasons perhaps why he is angry with me - and he clearly is angry with me - is that I did n't cover it up .
I did n't collude with him to make these allegations go away .
`` Perhaps that is at the root of why he is as annoyed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And Ms Sturgeon added : `` From what I 've read on the committee 's website , one person who has n't put forward evidence to the inquiry yet is Mr Salmond himself .
I have , the Scottish government has , so we will continue to be cooperative and do what the committee asks of us . ''
Ratcheting up the feud , Mr Salmond responded : `` I have made no public comment since I was acquitted of all charges in the High Court in March and have made it clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is in front of the Parliamentary Committee .
`` This committee was established to inquire into the conduct of the First Minister , her special advisers and civil servants after her government 's behaviour was found to be 'unlawful ' , 'unfair ' and 'tainted by apparent bias ' and at enormous cost to the public purse . ''
He has previously called the legal action against him a `` nightmare '' and thanked his friends and family for `` standing by me over the last two years '' .
Mr Salmond has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Continuing to hit back , the source close to Mr Salmond said : `` Her claims of an attempted `` collusion '' are not only untrue but unsupported by the written evidence and directly contradicted by her own previous parliamentary statements .
She claims to have 'nothing to hide ' .
That is not the impression she is giving . ''
The source went on to say that `` there is little point in the First Minister pledging full support for and co-operation with a committee , the remit of which is to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that of her government , only for her to complain about the inevitable scrutiny that involves '' .
And they added : `` The First Minister claims to be entirely focussed on a health pandemic where people are still dying but is lashing out on television about matters which should properly be dealt with in front of the Parliamentary Committee established for that very purpose . ''

Nicola Sturgeon has read out a message exchange with Alex Salmond live on Sky News in a bid to prove she did not "cover up" serious allegations of sexual misconduct against him.
Mr Salmond was cleared in court earlier this year of 13 sexual assault charges.
The Scottish first minister denied she was withholding evidence from an inquiry examining the government's handling of an investigation into her predecessor's behaviour.
She told Sky News she understood that it was better for Mr Salmond for people to think "there was a big conspiracy against him".
And in comments that will turn up the heat on an already tense row with her friend and mentor of 30 years, Ms Sturgeon said the problem was "age-old".
She explained it was a case of "man accused of misconduct against a woman" with a woman who then "ends up answering for them".
In response, a source close to Mr Salmond - who was cleared of 13 charges of sexual assault, attempted rape and indecent exposure at the High Court in Edinburgh in March 2020 - has told Sky News he is not angry with her, but "astonished at the ever shifting sands of her story".
Image: Alex Salmond was acquitted of sexual assault charges earlier this year
An investigation is now under way by the Scottish Parliament into the government's handling of the complaints against Mr Salmond, who was later awarded £500,000 in legal costs after the government admitted in court that the inquiry had not been conducted properly.
Asked on Sophy Ridge On Sunday about a report that allies of Mr Salmond claimed Ms Sturgeon was withholding some messages from evidence, she said she had "nothing to hide".
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She said she messaged him on 5 November (understood to be 2017) in response to a Sky News query about his conduct, asking: "Hi, when are you free to speak this morning?"
He replied "10am", she continued.
Image: A Scottish Parliament investigation is now under way
Ms Sturgeon said she followed it up with an "any developments?" message later and then another asking "you free for a word?" the following day.
"So, I'm setting up a conversation that I have told the parliamentary inquiry about, it's hardly a big revelation," she told Sky News.
She added: "I can understand why people in my party might want an alternative explanation for all of this… At every stage I have tried to do the right thing and not cover it up.
"I think the reasons perhaps why he is angry with me - and he clearly is angry with me - is that I didn't cover it up. I didn't collude with him to make these allegations go away.
"Perhaps that is at the root of why he is as annoyed as he appears to be."
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And Ms Sturgeon added: "From what I've read on the committee's website, one person who hasn't put forward evidence to the inquiry yet is Mr Salmond himself. I have, the Scottish government has, so we will continue to be cooperative and do what the committee asks of us."
Ratcheting up the feud, Mr Salmond responded: ''I have made no public comment since I was acquitted of all charges in the High Court in March and have made it clear that the first time I will comment is in front of the Parliamentary Committee.
"This committee was established to inquire into the conduct of the First Minister, her special advisers and civil servants after her government's behaviour was found to be 'unlawful', 'unfair' and 'tainted by apparent bias' and at enormous cost to the public purse."
He has previously called the legal action against him a "nightmare" and thanked his friends and family for "standing by me over the last two years". Mr Salmond has always denied any form of misconduct.
Continuing to hit back, the source close to Mr Salmond said: "Her claims of an attempted "collusion" are not only untrue but unsupported by the written evidence and directly contradicted by her own previous parliamentary statements. She claims to have 'nothing to hide'. That is not the impression she is giving."
The source went on to say that "there is little point in the First Minister pledging full support for and co-operation with a committee, the remit of which is to consider and report on her actions and that of her government, only for her to complain about the inevitable scrutiny that involves".
And they added: "The First Minister claims to be entirely focussed on a health pandemic where people are still dying but is lashing out on television about matters which should properly be dealt with in front of the Parliamentary Committee established for that very purpose."