skynewspolitics--2020-02-24--Starmer: 'I don't want to be presumptuous about becoming Labour leader'

Sir Keir Starmer has told Sky News that he is not being `` presumptuous '' in the race for the Labour leadership - and has not talked to anyone about jobs in the shadow cabinet .
The shadow Brexit secretary , who is the favourite to succeed Jeremy Corbyn , told Kay Burley @ Breakfast that he was `` utterly focused '' on ensuring he wins the contest .
Sir Keir - along with Wigan MP Lisa Nandy and shadow business secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey - has promised to offer his rivals jobs in the shadow cabinet if he wins .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ most support among the party 's MPs and MEPs , affiliate organisations , trade unions and constituency parties .
The victor will be announced at the start of April , with voting getting under way on Monday .
As the campaign rumbles on , there has been discussion and speculation about the make-up of the eventual winner 's top team .
Mr Corbyn has said he would be `` happy '' to remain on Labour 's frontbench - with Ms Long-Bailey saying she would `` like to '' keep him in the shadow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Miliband - Mr Corbyn 's predecessor - is reportedly being lined up for a return to the frontbench by Sir Keir .
Senior allies of the leadership contender have been quoted by The Daily Telegraph as saying Mr Miliband was a contender to become shadow chancellor .
Asked what role he would give Mr Corbyn were he to win , Sir Keir told Sky News : `` I 've not assigned any role to anyone in any shadow cabinet .
I 'm utterly focused on winning this contest .
`` The voting is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There 's been some indicators along the way , but nobody 's voted .
`` I 'm focused on running a very positive campaign and making sure that we display unity in our campaign and do it in that positive way and winning it .
`` But I 've not been talking to anyone about shadow cabinet positions .
`` So any rumours anybody hears , they 're just wrong .
I have n't spoken to anyone about this . ''
Quizzed on what roles he had in mind for his two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been no talks with anybody about shadow cabinet jobs .
He added : `` I genuinely have not talked to anybody about what job anyone might have .
Because I do n't want to be presumptuous about this .
`` I 'm fighting this race to win it .
I know that I 've got to persuade as many members as possible to vote for me .
That 's all that matters at the moment .
`` I 'm not discussing anything beyond that . ''
One person who will not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Abbott .
The shadow home secretary told Sky 's Sophy Ridge on Sunday that she would return to the backbenches regardless of who wins the contest .
Ballots are being sent out this week in the leadership contest , with more than 580,000 party members having their say .
The system used is a preferential vote , so if no candidate wins more than 50 % in the first round , then the candidate in last place is eliminated and their votes redistributed until the threshold is reached .
: : Listen to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Members will also have the chance to elect a new deputy leader .
Angela Rayner , Dawn Butler , Ian Murray , Dr Rosena Allin-Khan and Richard Burgon are all vying for the job .

Sir Keir Starmer has told Sky News that he is not being "presumptuous" in the race for the Labour leadership - and has not talked to anyone about jobs in the shadow cabinet.
The shadow Brexit secretary, who is the favourite to succeed Jeremy Corbyn, told Kay Burley@Breakfast that he was "utterly focused" on ensuring he wins the contest.
Sir Keir - along with Wigan MP Lisa Nandy and shadow business secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey - has promised to offer his rivals jobs in the shadow cabinet if he wins.
Image: The leadership contenders are Rebecca Long-Bailey, Lisa Nandy and Sir Keir
So far, he has gained the most support among the party's MPs and MEPs, affiliate organisations, trade unions and constituency parties.
The victor will be announced at the start of April, with voting getting under way on Monday.
As the campaign rumbles on, there has been discussion and speculation about the make-up of the eventual winner's top team.
Mr Corbyn has said he would be "happy" to remain on Labour's frontbench - with Ms Long-Bailey saying she would "like to" keep him in the shadow cabinet if she emerges victorious.
Ed Miliband - Mr Corbyn's predecessor - is reportedly being lined up for a return to the frontbench by Sir Keir.
Senior allies of the leadership contender have been quoted by The Daily Telegraph as saying Mr Miliband was a contender to become shadow chancellor.
Advertisement
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 17:51 Starmer: Labour Brexit stance in election was 'the right policy'
Asked what role he would give Mr Corbyn were he to win, Sir Keir told Sky News: "I've not assigned any role to anyone in any shadow cabinet. I'm utterly focused on winning this contest.
"The voting is only starting today. Nobody has voted. There's been some indicators along the way, but nobody's voted.
"I'm focused on running a very positive campaign and making sure that we display unity in our campaign and do it in that positive way and winning it.
"But I've not been talking to anyone about shadow cabinet positions.
"So any rumours anybody hears, they're just wrong. I haven't spoken to anyone about this."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 20:04 Long-Bailey calls for abolition of House of Lords
Quizzed on what roles he had in mind for his two leadership rivals, Sir Keir insisted there have been no talks with anybody about shadow cabinet jobs.
He added: "I genuinely have not talked to anybody about what job anyone might have. Because I don't want to be presumptuous about this.
"I'm fighting this race to win it. I know that I've got to persuade as many members as possible to vote for me. That's all that matters at the moment.
"I'm not discussing anything beyond that."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 15:37 Nandy: 'Britney and buses, that's my role'
One person who will not be in the next shadow cabinet is Diane Abbott.
The shadow home secretary told Sky's Sophy Ridge on Sunday that she would return to the backbenches regardless of who wins the contest.
Ballots are being sent out this week in the leadership contest, with more than 580,000 party members having their say.
The system used is a preferential vote, so if no candidate wins more than 50% in the first round, then the candidate in last place is eliminated and their votes redistributed until the threshold is reached.
:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Members will also have the chance to elect a new deputy leader.
Angela Rayner, Dawn Butler, Ian Murray, Dr Rosena Allin-Khan and Richard Burgon are all vying for the job.


skynewspolitics--2020-02-24--'Higher spending will require higher taxes,' new chancellor warned

The new chancellor will have to raise taxes if the government 's plan to `` level up '' the country is to be financially responsible , according to a study .
The report , by the Resolution Foundation think tank , found Rishi Sunak 's budget on 11 March had the potential to take the government 's total managed expenditure above £1tn a year for the first time by 2023-24 after a decade of austerity .
It said that £100bn of extra capital spending - for major infrastructure projects and to boost regions outside of London and the South East @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £41bn in 2018-19 to £64bn by 2021-22 in a shift from the current so-called fiscal rules .
The study added that higher spending - not something usually associated with a Tory government - should be accompanied by `` fiscally responsible '' tax rises .
It suggested a number of possibilities such as maintaining current income tax thresholds - to raise up to £8bn - or scrapping Entrepreneurs ' Relief and saving £3bn in the process .
However , the report noted that a hit to tax bills from weaker growth forecasts was likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interest rates and inflation reducing the cost of government debt .
The Conservatives have signalled that the budget will be used to kick-start the government 's post-Brexit growth plans - rewarding voters who backed Boris Johnson in December 's election .
Mr Sunak , who replaced Sajid Javid in 11 Downing Street following a reshuffle earlier this month , is expected to take a more expansive approach to spending than his predecessor would have done .
Resolution Foundation economist Jack Leslie said : `` The chancellor 's big-spending plans to 'level up ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a bigger state than at any point under Tony Blair , and marks a big shift for a traditionally small-state Conservative Party .
`` But new roads and rail lines are only part of the story for a government wishing to turn the corner on a decade of austerity .
`` If the chancellor wants to increase spending on day-to-day public services in a fiscally responsible way he will have to change another of his party 's traditional priorities - lower taxes .

The new chancellor will have to raise taxes if the government's plan to "level up" the country is to be financially responsible, according to a study.
The report, by the Resolution Foundation think tank, found Rishi Sunak's budget on 11 March had the potential to take the government's total managed expenditure above £1tn a year for the first time by 2023-24 after a decade of austerity.
It said that £100bn of extra capital spending - for major infrastructure projects and to boost regions outside of London and the South East - would likely see borrowing rise from £41bn in 2018-19 to £64bn by 2021-22 in a shift from the current so-called fiscal rules.
The study added that higher spending - not something usually associated with a Tory government - should be accompanied by "fiscally responsible" tax rises.
It suggested a number of possibilities such as maintaining current income tax thresholds - to raise up to £8bn - or scrapping Entrepreneurs' Relief and saving £3bn in the process.
:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
However, the report noted that a hit to tax bills from weaker growth forecasts was likely to be more than offset by lower interest rates and inflation reducing the cost of government debt.
The Conservatives have signalled that the budget will be used to kick-start the government's post-Brexit growth plans - rewarding voters who backed Boris Johnson in December's election.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:08 Sajid Javid quits as chancellor and Rishi Sunak prepares to move in to No 11.
Mr Sunak, who replaced Sajid Javid in 11 Downing Street following a reshuffle earlier this month, is expected to take a more expansive approach to spending than his predecessor would have done.
Advertisement
Resolution Foundation economist Jack Leslie said: "The chancellor's big-spending plans to 'level up' the country through infrastructure projects will lead to a bigger state than at any point under Tony Blair, and marks a big shift for a traditionally small-state Conservative Party.
"But new roads and rail lines are only part of the story for a government wishing to turn the corner on a decade of austerity.
"If the chancellor wants to increase spending on day-to-day public services in a fiscally responsible way he will have to change another of his party's traditional priorities - lower taxes.
"Higher spending will require higher taxes."


skynewspolitics--2020-02-24--Voting begins for Labour leader to replace Jeremy Corbyn

More than 580,000 Labour Party members will start voting for Jeremy Corbyn 's successor today ahead of the winner being revealed on 4 April .
Ballots will be sent during the coming week and voters will have until 2 April to decide between Sir Keir Starmer , Rebecca Long-Bailey and Lisa Nandy .
The system used is a preferential vote , so if no candidate wins more than 50 % in the first round , then the candidate in last place is eliminated and their votes redistributed until the threshold is reached .
Angela Rayner , Dawn Butler , Ian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Burgon are running for deputy leader .
Each of the three leadership candidates has vowed to offer their rivals jobs in the shadow cabinet if they win .
Sir Keir , the shadow Brexit secretary who is seen as a clear frontrunner , said : `` I would happily offer both these candidates a top job in the shadow cabinet and I 'd happily serve them if they wanted me to do the same . ''
: : Listen to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shadow business secretary , said : `` I would , I think they 're both brilliant .
`` And I would do whatever I was asked and whatever it takes to make sure , if I did n't become leader , to make sure we were elected as the next Labour government . ''
Wigan MP Ms Nandy added : `` I like both of these people , I respect them .
I would want them in my shadow cabinet doing big jobs .
`` But I would equally be happy to serve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to give me . ''
Mr Corbyn has also said he would be `` happy '' to carry on serving as a senior member of Labour 's top team .
He said : `` I 'm happy to serve the party in any capacity because my whole life has been about making my contribution in parliament , holding the government to account and of course speaking out on policy areas . ''
Meanwhile , shadow home secretary Diane Abbott said that regardless of who wins she will return to life on the backbenches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't take a `` swerve to the right on migration policy '' .

More than 580,000 Labour Party members will start voting for Jeremy Corbyn's successor today ahead of the winner being revealed on 4 April.
Ballots will be sent during the coming week and voters will have until 2 April to decide between Sir Keir Starmer, Rebecca Long-Bailey and Lisa Nandy.
The system used is a preferential vote, so if no candidate wins more than 50% in the first round, then the candidate in last place is eliminated and their votes redistributed until the threshold is reached.
Angela Rayner, Dawn Butler, Ian Murray, Dr Rosena Allin-Khan and Richard Burgon are running for deputy leader.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 17:51 Starmer: Labour Brexit stance in election was 'the right policy'
Each of the three leadership candidates has vowed to offer their rivals jobs in the shadow cabinet if they win.
Sir Keir, the shadow Brexit secretary who is seen as a clear frontrunner, said: "I would happily offer both these candidates a top job in the shadow cabinet and I'd happily serve them if they wanted me to do the same."
:: Listen to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Ms Long-Bailey, the shadow business secretary, said: "I would, I think they're both brilliant.
"And I would do whatever I was asked and whatever it takes to make sure, if I didn't become leader, to make sure we were elected as the next Labour government."
Advertisement
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 20:04 Rebecca Long-Bailey wants to abolish the House Of Lords
Wigan MP Ms Nandy added: "I like both of these people, I respect them. I would want them in my shadow cabinet doing big jobs.
"But I would equally be happy to serve alongside them in whatever role they chose to give me."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 15:37 Nandy: 'Britney and buses, that's my role'
Mr Corbyn has also said he would be "happy" to carry on serving as a senior member of Labour's top team.
He said: "I'm happy to serve the party in any capacity because my whole life has been about making my contribution in parliament, holding the government to account and of course speaking out on policy areas."
Meanwhile, shadow home secretary Diane Abbott said that regardless of who wins she will return to life on the backbenches and work on ensuring the party doesn't take a "swerve to the right on migration policy".


skynewspolitics--2020-02-23--Johnson to begin trade talks with the US 'in two weeks'

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is ready to begin trade talks with the US within the coming fortnight , according to a report .
The move towards a free trade deal with the US comes amid frustration in Downing Street with the speed of talks between the UK and EU .
Next week Mr Johnson will publish the government 's `` red lines '' for negotiations , according to The Daily Telegraph .
These are expected to include a push back against US demands for its pharmaceutical firms to have greater access to the UK market .
Another issue could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standards .
On Sunday Environment Secretary George Eustice dismissed fears that chlorinated chicken and hormone-injected beef could be rolled out in UK supermarkets .
Mr Eustice told Sky News ' Sophy Ridge on Sunday `` we wo n't make any moves on our standards '' .
Mr Johnson is to meet US President Donald Trump in June .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Meanwhile , the UK will set out its demands for a trade deal with the European Union on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bloc should not `` waste time '' .
Ministers are expected to seek a Canada-style agreement with zero tariffs in the negotiating mandate .
But French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed doubt that a deal could be struck by 31 December , the end of the Brexit transition period .
Mr Macron said on Saturday that he expected talks to be tense , with fishing rights a key point of contention .
He said : `` Boris Johnson has a card in his hand and it is fishing and with that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ market . ''
A Downing Street source told the Telegraph : `` We left the EU on the 31 January in line with the referendum result .
`` We regain full independence for the people of the UK at the end of this year : the negotiation is about defining the terms on which we do that .
`` As a wise man once said , please do n't waste this time . ''
The words were previously spoken by the then European Commission president Donald Tusk in April last year when the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end of October for Brexit .
A further extension was needed until the end of January .

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is ready to begin trade talks with the US within the coming fortnight, according to a report.
The move towards a free trade deal with the US comes amid frustration in Downing Street with the speed of talks between the UK and EU.
Next week Mr Johnson will publish the government's "red lines" for negotiations, according to The Daily Telegraph.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:40 Minister questioned over chlorinated chicken
These are expected to include a push back against US demands for its pharmaceutical firms to have greater access to the UK market.
Another issue could be Britain's stance on food and agricultural standards.
On Sunday Environment Secretary George Eustice dismissed fears that chlorinated chicken and hormone-injected beef could be rolled out in UK supermarkets.
Mr Eustice told Sky News' Sophy Ridge on Sunday "we won't make any moves on our standards".
Mr Johnson is to meet US President Donald Trump in June.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Advertisement
Meanwhile, the UK will set out its demands for a trade deal with the European Union on Thursday, along with a plea that the bloc should not "waste time".
Ministers are expected to seek a Canada-style agreement with zero tariffs in the negotiating mandate.
But French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed doubt that a deal could be struck by 31 December, the end of the Brexit transition period.
Mr Macron said on Saturday that he expected talks to be tense, with fishing rights a key point of contention.
He said: "Boris Johnson has a card in his hand and it is fishing and with that he will try to gain access to the market."
A Downing Street source told the Telegraph: "We left the EU on the 31 January in line with the referendum result.
"We regain full independence for the people of the UK at the end of this year: the negotiation is about defining the terms on which we do that.
"As a wise man once said, please don't waste this time."
The words were previously spoken by the then European Commission president Donald Tusk in April last year when the UK was given an extension until the end of October for Brexit.
A further extension was needed until the end of January.


skynewspolitics--2020-02-24--West warned against continuing to 'watch on' in Syria

The government should use this year 's anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe to reflect `` on a time when Britain did not flinch '' when it comes to the ongoing crisis in Syria .
Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood , the chair of the House of Commons defence committee , warned against the UK and the West continuing to `` watch on '' as hospitals are bombed and children freeze in winter conditions in Syria 's Idlib .
The former defence minister highlighted recent Sky News ' reporting on the actions of the Syrian regime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ northwestern city .
He called for a no-fly zone in Syria to protect civilians .
Asking an urgent question in the Commons , Mr Ellwood said : `` As we saw in the reports on Sky News over the weekend , [ Bashar ] al- Assad continues his advance , deliberately bombing hospitals and also causing infants to freeze in the cold winter .
`` Yet again , attempts by the UN Security Council are vetoed by Russia , so the prospect of a bloodbath grows higher - as does direct conflict between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come again from the West , but we continue to watch on . ''
Mr Ellwood expressed concern that the United Nations could `` go the way '' of the League of Nations , which collapsed on the outbreak of the Second World War .
He suggested `` the West 's growing reputation to hesitate is giving ever greater confidence for non-Western alliances to pursue their own agendas , knowing the West is likely to respond only with words '' .
Mr Ellwood added : `` We soon celebrate the 75th anniversary of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time when Britain did not flinch from its international duty in stepping forward when other nations hesitate .
`` If 'Global Britain ' is to mean anything in this dangerous and complex world , now is the time to show it . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Responding on the government 's behalf , Foreign Office minister James Cleverly did not address the issue of a no-fly zone .
As well as criticising Russia 's role in the conflict , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a challenge between , I suppose , the UK taking what he might describe as a more active role , and the need for a sustainable solution which is agreed to both by the protagonists in the region itself , and the surrounding nations . ''
But he stressed the UK `` is certainly making sure the UK voice is heard on the international stage , and our actions are felt on the ground ; particularly on the humanitarian front '' .
Mr Cleverly added : `` The UK is and will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calling for a ceasefire and the de-escalation of the conflict in the region . ''
Labour 's shadow foreign office minister Khalid Mahmood urged the government to help ensure those civilians leaving Idlib have `` some safety and shelter to flee towards '' .
Mr Cleverly pointed out the UK had sent £3.1bn of UK aid to Syria since the conflict began in 2011 .
This has helped provide more than 28 million food rations , more than 18 million medical consultations and more than 12 million vaccinations , he added .

The government should use this year's anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe to reflect "on a time when Britain did not flinch" when it comes to the ongoing crisis in Syria.
Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood, the chair of the House of Commons defence committee, warned against the UK and the West continuing to "watch on" as hospitals are bombed and children freeze in winter conditions in Syria's Idlib.
The former defence minister highlighted recent Sky News reporting on the actions of the Syrian regime against the country's civilians in the northwestern city.
He called for a no-fly zone in Syria to protect civilians.
Asking an urgent question in the Commons, Mr Ellwood said: "As we saw in the reports on Sky News over the weekend, [Bashar] al- Assad continues his advance, deliberately bombing hospitals and also causing infants to freeze in the cold winter.
"Yet again, attempts by the UN Security Council are vetoed by Russia, so the prospect of a bloodbath grows higher - as does direct conflict between Turkey and Syria.
"The words come again from the West, but we continue to watch on."
Mr Ellwood expressed concern that the United Nations could "go the way" of the League of Nations, which collapsed on the outbreak of the Second World War.
He suggested "the West's growing reputation to hesitate is giving ever greater confidence for non-Western alliances to pursue their own agendas, knowing the West is likely to respond only with words".
Advertisement
Mr Ellwood added: "We soon celebrate the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe, reflecting on a time when Britain did not flinch from its international duty in stepping forward when other nations hesitate.
"If 'Global Britain' is to mean anything in this dangerous and complex world, now is the time to show it."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Responding on the government's behalf, Foreign Office minister James Cleverly did not address the issue of a no-fly zone.
As well as criticising Russia's role in the conflict, he told Mr Ellwood: "There is a challenge between, I suppose, the UK taking what he might describe as a more active role, and the need for a sustainable solution which is agreed to both by the protagonists in the region itself, and the surrounding nations."
But he stressed the UK "is certainly making sure the UK voice is heard on the international stage, and our actions are felt on the ground; particularly on the humanitarian front".
Mr Cleverly added: "The UK is and will remain a powerful and passionate voice in calling for a ceasefire and the de-escalation of the conflict in the region."
Labour's shadow foreign office minister Khalid Mahmood urged the government to help ensure those civilians leaving Idlib have "some safety and shelter to flee towards".
Mr Cleverly pointed out the UK had sent £3.1bn of UK aid to Syria since the conflict began in 2011.
This has helped provide more than 28 million food rations, more than 18 million medical consultations and more than 12 million vaccinations, he added.


skynewspolitics--2020-02-24--'We need money and we need it now' - MP's plea for flooding cash

Families affected by flooding have `` lost literally every single thing they had '' , an MP has revealed as he made an impassioned plea for greater government help .
Labour 's Chris Bryant told the House of Commons how a quarter of all families to be affected by recent flooding in the UK were in the single Welsh local authority of Rhondda Cynon Taf .
Describing the devastation experienced in the area , the Rhondda MP said : `` Many of the people in very poor communities have no insurance because they have to choose between putting food on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` So they 've lost literally every single thing they had . ''
Mr Bryant described how the local council was facing a `` massive bill '' of more than £30m to fix damage to culverts , bridges and to dredge rivers .
`` That is twice the capital allocation funding for the whole of the council for a year , '' he added .
`` We need money from the government , we do n't want talk of mutual aid .
We need money and we need it now . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Labour MPs and Welsh Assembly members to ask Chancellor Rishi Sunak for a one-off grant of £30m to pay for repair and restoration work across Rhondda Cynon Taf .
Environment Secretary George Eustice , who responded to Mr Bryant in the Commons , highlighted how responding to flooding was a devolved matter and therefore the responsibility of the Welsh Government .
Earlier on Monday , the Welsh Government announced it will give at least £500 to every affected household .
However , Mr Eustice opened the door to further help from Westminster @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he and others have raised some concerns around funding and , of course , if the Welsh Government were to approach my colleagues in the Wales ' Office this is something that could be considered . ''
Earlier in the Commons , as Mr Eustice gave an update on the UK Government 's flooding response , the Cabinet minister had to again defend Prime Minister Boris Johnson 's decision not to visit flood-affected communities .
Last week , during parliament 's one-week recess , Mr Johnson instead spent the majority of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Labour 's shadow environment secretary Luke Pollard asked : `` Where was the prime minister ?
Why was n't a COBRA meeting convened ?
Why was there no national leadership from this government ? ''
He added : `` During the general election , the prime minister reluctantly visited flood-hit communities to win votes .
`` He was out with his mop pushing water around shops , but now he 's got his majority he 's nowhere to be seen .
He 's missing in action . ''
Mr Eustice said he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , adding the National Flood Response centre was a similar mechanism to the government 's COBRA emergency committee , but dedicated to this specific purpose .

Families affected by flooding have "lost literally every single thing they had", an MP has revealed as he made an impassioned plea for greater government help.
Labour's Chris Bryant told the House of Commons how a quarter of all families to be affected by recent flooding in the UK were in the single Welsh local authority of Rhondda Cynon Taf.
Image: Labour's Chris Bryant described the impact on his constituency
Describing the devastation experienced in the area, the Rhondda MP said: "Many of the people in very poor communities have no insurance because they have to choose between putting food on the table or paying the insurance bill.
"So they've lost literally every single thing they had."
Mr Bryant described how the local council was facing a "massive bill" of more than £30m to fix damage to culverts, bridges and to dredge rivers.
"That is twice the capital allocation funding for the whole of the council for a year," he added.
"We need money from the government, we don't want talk of mutual aid. We need money and we need it now."
Mr Bryant has been among a number of Labour MPs and Welsh Assembly members to ask Chancellor Rishi Sunak for a one-off grant of £30m to pay for repair and restoration work across Rhondda Cynon Taf.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:21 Prince Charles visits flooded Welsh town
Environment Secretary George Eustice, who responded to Mr Bryant in the Commons, highlighted how responding to flooding was a devolved matter and therefore the responsibility of the Welsh Government.
Advertisement
Earlier on Monday, the Welsh Government announced it will give at least £500 to every affected household.
However, Mr Eustice opened the door to further help from Westminster, adding: "I am aware that he and others have raised some concerns around funding and, of course, if the Welsh Government were to approach my colleagues in the Wales' Office this is something that could be considered."
Earlier in the Commons, as Mr Eustice gave an update on the UK Government's flooding response, the Cabinet minister had to again defend Prime Minister Boris Johnson's decision not to visit flood-affected communities.
Last week, during parliament's one-week recess, Mr Johnson instead spent the majority of his time at a mansion in Kent.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 15:46 Why didn't Boris Johnson visit flood-hit areas?
Labour's shadow environment secretary Luke Pollard asked: "Where was the prime minister? Why wasn't a COBRA meeting convened? Why was there no national leadership from this government?"
He added: "During the general election, the prime minister reluctantly visited flood-hit communities to win votes.
"He was out with his mop pushing water around shops, but now he's got his majority he's nowhere to be seen. He's missing in action."
Mr Eustice said he was leading on the response to the flooding, adding the National Flood Response centre was a similar mechanism to the government's COBRA emergency committee, but dedicated to this specific purpose.


skynewspolitics--2020-02-24--Yorkshire Tea reveals how boycott calls brewed thanks to chancellor

Yorkshire Tea has urged social media users to `` try to be kind '' after unwittingly being put at the centre of a `` political mudfight '' by new Chancellor Rishi Sunak .
Ahead of next month 's Budget , Mr Sunak last week posted a picture of himself making tea for his Treasury team as they prepared the government 's upcoming fiscal announcement .
But his actions in posing next to a large bag of Yorkshire Tea teabags resulted in `` furious accusations '' and calls for a boycott of the brand , the firm has now revealed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ response to the furore on Monday following what it described as a `` rough weekend '' .
`` On Friday , the Chancellor shared a photo of our tea , '' the company posted .
`` Politicians do that sometimes ( Jeremy Corbyn did it in 2017 ) .
We were n't asked or involved - and we said so the same day .
Lots of people got angry with us all the same .
`` We 've spent the last three days answering furious accusations and boycott calls .
`` For some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ someone they do n't like means it 's forever tainted , and they 've made sure we know it .
`` It 's been pretty shocking to see the determination some have had to drag us into a political mudfight .
`` But it 's been lovely to see others speak up for us - we 're so grateful to everyone who 's done that in a civil way ( and gutted to see some use it as a reason for more nastiness ) . ''
In a plea for more civility on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tea 's Twitter account added : `` Speaking directly now , as the person who 's been answering these tweets , I know it could have been much worse .
`` It 's easier to be on the receiving end of this as a brand than as an individual .
There 's more emotional distance and I 've had a team to support me when it got a bit much .
`` But for anyone about to vent their rage online , even to a company - please remember there 's a human @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and try to be kind . ''
Responding to Yorkshire Tea 's tweets , Conservative MP Dehenna Davidson posted : `` This is mad !
`` I absolutely love @ YorkshireTea .
Not because I 'm a Tory , but because I 'm a human with tastebuds .
`` People need to calm down ! ''
Lord Newby , the leader of the Liberal Democrats ' group in the House of Lords , tweeted : `` OK , so Rishi Sunak is trying unconvincingly to try and make himself out as down to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blame Yorkshire Tea for this .
`` People need to get a sense of perspective ! ''
Mr Sunak is the Tory MP for Richmond in North Yorkshire .

Yorkshire Tea has urged social media users to "try to be kind" after unwittingly being put at the centre of a "political mudfight" by new Chancellor Rishi Sunak.
Ahead of next month's Budget, Mr Sunak last week posted a picture of himself making tea for his Treasury team as they prepared the government's upcoming fiscal announcement.
But his actions in posing next to a large bag of Yorkshire Tea teabags resulted in "furious accusations" and calls for a boycott of the brand, the firm has now revealed.
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
Yorkshire Tea's Twitter account posted a response to the furore on Monday following what it described as a "rough weekend".
"On Friday, the Chancellor shared a photo of our tea," the company posted.
"Politicians do that sometimes (Jeremy Corbyn did it in 2017). We weren't asked or involved - and we said so the same day. Lots of people got angry with us all the same.
"We've spent the last three days answering furious accusations and boycott calls.
"For some, our tea just being drunk by someone they don't like means it's forever tainted, and they've made sure we know it.
"It's been pretty shocking to see the determination some have had to drag us into a political mudfight.
Advertisement
"But it's been lovely to see others speak up for us - we're so grateful to everyone who's done that in a civil way (and gutted to see some use it as a reason for more nastiness)."
In a plea for more civility on social media, the person staffing Yorkshire Tea's Twitter account added: "Speaking directly now, as the person who's been answering these tweets, I know it could have been much worse.
"It's easier to be on the receiving end of this as a brand than as an individual. There's more emotional distance and I've had a team to support me when it got a bit much.
"But for anyone about to vent their rage online, even to a company - please remember there's a human on the other end of it, and try to be kind."
Responding to Yorkshire Tea's tweets, Conservative MP Dehenna Davidson posted: "This is mad!
"I absolutely love @YorkshireTea. Not because I'm a Tory, but because I'm a human with tastebuds.
"People need to calm down!"
Lord Newby, the leader of the Liberal Democrats' group in the House of Lords, tweeted: "OK, so Rishi Sunak is trying unconvincingly to try and make himself out as down to earth, but it's ridiculous to blame Yorkshire Tea for this.
"People need to get a sense of perspective!"
Mr Sunak is the Tory MP for Richmond in North Yorkshire.


skynewspolitics--2020-02-24--PM warned he can't 'blackmail' France into 'bad' Brexit trade deal

France has warned Boris Johnson that it will not be `` blackmailed '' into accepting a `` bad '' post-Brexit trade deal because of his refusal to extend the transition period .
Ministers from the 27 EU member states will meet in Brussels on Tuesday to thrash out the mandate for the negotiations on Britain 's future relationship with the bloc .
Speaking ahead of this meeting , France 's Europe minister Amelie de Montchalin indicated that the EU is preparing to take a tough stance .
She told TV station France 2 that France 's farmers , fishermen and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order for a trade deal to be in place by the end of the year .
`` In this negotiation it must be understood by British businesses that we do not want a bad agreement - almost certainly , that we will sign up to no blackmail , '' Ms de Montchalin said .
She added : `` It is not because that Boris Johnson wants a deal at all costs for December 31 that we will sign , under pressure , a bad deal . ''
And in yet another indication that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the main flashpoints , the French minister said : `` The fishermen have the right to be protected , they know very well that if we sign a bad deal they will lose enormously . ''
Downing Street has rejected the suggestion that the UK is trying to `` blackmail '' the EU .
The prime minister 's official spokesman said : `` The UK 's primary objective in the negotiations is to ensure that we restore our economic and political independence on January 1 2021 . ''
Meanwhile , Ireland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK government to stick to the terms of the withdrawal agreement .
He was speaking after reports emerged at the weekend that Mr Johnson had ordered his Brexit team to find ways to `` get around '' the Northern Ireland protocol .
According to the Sunday Times , officials in Taskforce Europe are trying to evade Irish Sea checks on goods passing from Great Britain to Northern Ireland .
Mr Varadkar said the withdrawal agreement was an international treaty and he expects the UK to `` honour that in full '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` comply with our obligations '' , with a spokesman saying : `` The protocol specifically allows the UK to ensure unfettered market access for goods moving from Northern Ireland to GB .
`` The UK signed the withdrawal agreement including the protocol last month , we will comply with our obligations . ''
Britain left the bloc on 31 January and is currently in an 11-month transition period which ends on 31 December .
This is designed to allow both sides the time to sort out the terms of the future relationship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ senior figures in the EU that there is not enough time , Mr Johnson has ruled out extending the transition period beyond the end of 2020 .
The UK will set out its demands for a trade deal with the EU on Thursday , along with a plea that the bloc should not `` waste time '' .
Ministers are expected to seek a Canada-style agreement with zero tariffs in the negotiating mandate .
But French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed doubt that a deal can be struck by 31 December .
: @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Macron said on Saturday that he expected talks to be tense , with fishing rights a key point of contention .
He said : `` Boris Johnson has a card in his hand and it is fishing and with that he will try to gain access to the market . ''

France has warned Boris Johnson that it will not be "blackmailed" into accepting a "bad" post-Brexit trade deal because of his refusal to extend the transition period.
Ministers from the 27 EU member states will meet in Brussels on Tuesday to thrash out the mandate for the negotiations on Britain's future relationship with the bloc.
Speaking ahead of this meeting, France's Europe minister Amelie de Montchalin indicated that the EU is preparing to take a tough stance.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:43 Now the UK is out of the EU, what next?
She told TV station France 2 that France's farmers, fishermen and businesses would not pay the price in order for a trade deal to be in place by the end of the year.
"In this negotiation it must be understood by British businesses that we do not want a bad agreement - almost certainly, that we will sign up to no blackmail," Ms de Montchalin said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:47 Can the UK and EU reach a deal on trade?
She added: "It is not because that Boris Johnson wants a deal at all costs for December 31 that we will sign, under pressure, a bad deal."
And in yet another indication that access to UK fishing waters will be one of the main flashpoints, the French minister said: "The fishermen have the right to be protected, they know very well that if we sign a bad deal they will lose enormously."
Downing Street has rejected the suggestion that the UK is trying to "blackmail" the EU.
The prime minister's official spokesman said: "The UK's primary objective in the negotiations is to ensure that we restore our economic and political independence on January 1 2021."
Advertisement
Meanwhile, Ireland's Prime Minister Leo Varadkar has urged the UK government to stick to the terms of the withdrawal agreement.
Image: Irish prime minister Leo Varadkar said the UK government should stick to the withdrawal agreement
He was speaking after reports emerged at the weekend that Mr Johnson had ordered his Brexit team to find ways to "get around" the Northern Ireland protocol.
According to the Sunday Times, officials in Taskforce Europe are trying to evade Irish Sea checks on goods passing from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.
Mr Varadkar said the withdrawal agreement was an international treaty and he expects the UK to "honour that in full".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:28 Europe expresses sadness over Brexit
Number 10 has insisted the UK will "comply with our obligations", with a spokesman saying: "The protocol specifically allows the UK to ensure unfettered market access for goods moving from Northern Ireland to GB.
"The UK signed the withdrawal agreement including the protocol last month, we will comply with our obligations."
Britain left the bloc on 31 January and is currently in an 11-month transition period which ends on 31 December.
This is designed to allow both sides the time to sort out the terms of the future relationship.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:37 The moment the UK left the EU
Despite fears from opponents and many senior figures in the EU that there is not enough time, Mr Johnson has ruled out extending the transition period beyond the end of 2020.
The UK will set out its demands for a trade deal with the EU on Thursday, along with a plea that the bloc should not "waste time".
Ministers are expected to seek a Canada-style agreement with zero tariffs in the negotiating mandate.
But French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed doubt that a deal can be struck by 31 December.
:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Mr Macron said on Saturday that he expected talks to be tense, with fishing rights a key point of contention.
He said: "Boris Johnson has a card in his hand and it is fishing and with that he will try to gain access to the market."


skynewspolitics--2020-02-28--UK should prepare for schools closing and other coronavirus trade-offs - Hunt

People should prepare for schools to close down to stop the spread of coronavirus , a former health secretary has warned .
Jeremy Hunt said the public might have to brace for `` social and economic trade-offs '' and cautioned the NHS will not function `` business-as-normal '' if a pandemic breaks out .
On the prospect of emergency hospitals being built like in China , he said : `` I know all that thinking is happening . ''
So far the number of people who have been infected by the virus in the UK is 19 , with no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed and suspected cases that have killed 2,859 people , according to the respected global medical researcher Johns Hopkins hospital .
Britain 's response will be discussed on Monday at a COBRA meeting convened by Prime Minister Boris Johnson .
Mr Hunt , who now chairs parliament 's health select committee , told Sky News ' All Out Politics : `` Hundreds of thousands of lives could depend on whether we can keep the infection levels down at below 10-5 % . ''
But `` we have to prepare for the situation where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 70 % of people end up getting COVID , Mr Hunt added .
The national response so far has been `` pretty sensible '' , he said , but warned upheaval to people 's daily lives might be necessary .
`` We are now at the stage where the government is rightly starting to spell out some of the social and economic trade-offs that will be necessary if we want to contain the virus to a small proportion of the population , if it takes hold , '' Mr Hunt explained .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we do start to spell out those trade-offs .
`` Yesterday the chief medical officer talked about the possibility of closing schools and those kinds of things we do need to start getting our head around . ''
He added : `` We are never going to do what they did in China because we 're a different society .
We 're a democracy .
`` But you look at what fellow democracies are doing - in Japan where the schools have been closed for March , and Italy where certain towns and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` And you can see that even democracies are capable of taking measures with the consent of the public because lives are at stake . ''
China built an emergency hospital in eight days reportedly helped by a 7,000-member crew of carpenters , plumbers , electricians and other specialists .
Coronavirus continues to spread across the UK - with the first confirmed cases now reported in Northern Ireland and Wales .
A jump in European cases - including the four people whose condition led a hotel in Tenerife , Spain , to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ traced back to Italy .
Towns in northern Italy were put into lockdown by authorities with 50,000 residents thought to be trapped inside the so-called `` red zone '' for up to two weeks .
Three UK schools have already shut down after some of their students returned from ski trips in the region .
Former chancellor George Osborne tweeted : `` The British government now needs to go onto a 'war footing ' with the coronavirus : daily NHS press briefings , regular COBRA meetings chaired by the PM , ministers on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public is fearful , wants information and needs to know their leaders have got a grip . ''

People should prepare for schools to close down to stop the spread of coronavirus, a former health secretary has warned.
Jeremy Hunt said the public might have to brace for "social and economic trade-offs" and cautioned the NHS will not function "business-as-normal" if a pandemic breaks out.
On the prospect of emergency hospitals being built like in China, he said: "I know all that thinking is happening."
So far the number of people who have been infected by the virus in the UK is 19, with no fatalities.
Worldwide, there are 83,704 confirmed and suspected cases that have killed 2,859 people, according to the respected global medical researcher Johns Hopkins hospital.
Britain's response will be discussed on Monday at a COBRA meeting convened by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Mr Hunt, who now chairs parliament's health select committee, told Sky News' All Out Politics: "Hundreds of thousands of lives could depend on whether we can keep the infection levels down at below 10-5%."
But "we have to prepare for the situation where we can't" and up to 70% of people end up getting COVID, Mr Hunt added.
The national response so far has been "pretty sensible", he said, but warned upheaval to people's daily lives might be necessary.
Advertisement
Image: 19 people have so far tested positive for coronavirus in the UK
"We are now at the stage where the government is rightly starting to spell out some of the social and economic trade-offs that will be necessary if we want to contain the virus to a small proportion of the population, if it takes hold," Mr Hunt explained.
"I think it's absolutely right that we do start to spell out those trade-offs.
"Yesterday the chief medical officer talked about the possibility of closing schools and those kinds of things we do need to start getting our head around."
Image: A spike in cases in Europe have stemmed from northern Italy
He added: "We are never going to do what they did in China because we're a different society. We're a democracy.
"But you look at what fellow democracies are doing - in Japan where the schools have been closed for March, and Italy where certain towns and villages have been put on lockdown.
"And you can see that even democracies are capable of taking measures with the consent of the public because lives are at stake."
China built an emergency hospital in eight days reportedly helped by a 7,000-member crew of carpenters, plumbers, electricians and other specialists.
Coronavirus continues to spread across the UK - with the first confirmed cases now reported in Northern Ireland and Wales.
A jump in European cases - including the four people whose condition led a hotel in Tenerife, Spain, to be put into quarantine - have mostly been traced back to Italy.
Towns in northern Italy were put into lockdown by authorities with 50,000 residents thought to be trapped inside the so-called "red zone" for up to two weeks.
Three UK schools have already shut down after some of their students returned from ski trips in the region.
Former chancellor George Osborne tweeted: "The British government now needs to go onto a 'war footing' with the coronavirus: daily NHS press briefings, regular COBRA meetings chaired by the PM, ministers on all major media shows.
"The public is fearful, wants information and needs to know their leaders have got a grip."


skynewspolitics--2020-02-27--Labour candidates turn on each other over antisemitism

The three Labour leadership hopefuls have clashed over the party 's response to antisemitism allegations in a Sky News debate .
Each of Rebecca Long-Bailey , Lisa Nandy and Sir Keir Starmer - who are hoping to replace Jeremy Corbyn - asserted their own efforts in tackling the issue of Jewish hate .
In sometimes heated exchanges , the contenders also questioned whether their rivals had been as outspoken as they should have been in past years .
The issue was raised by a member of the audience at Dewsbury Town Hall , in West Yorkshire , who asked how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business secretary Ms Long-Bailey could `` stand by '' the party 's leadership in the middle of Labour 's antisemitism crisis .
`` How on Earth did you stand by the leadership when you know so many Jewish people were made to feel they could n't vote for the Labour Party ?
, '' they asked .
Labour is still under inquiry by the Equalities and Human Rights Commission over its handling of antisemitism allegations , with the independent body expected to publish its findings later this year .
Sir Keir stressed there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` massive rows '' over antisemitism within the shadow cabinet and he was `` pushing time and again '' for greater action .
`` I said we need the international definition of antisemitism , we need to change our rules so we can throw people out if they are clearly antisemitic , and we need to open the books to the Equalities and Human Rights Commission , '' he said .
`` I did n't just do it in the shadow cabinet , I did it in the public and on the media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who was briefly in the shadow cabinet before resigning in June 2016 , challenged Sir Keir directly over the shadow cabinet 's role .
She said : `` If we do not acknowledge how badly the shadow cabinet as a whole got this wrong , we will not earn the trust of the Jewish community . ''
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The Wigan MP claimed `` a collective failure of leadership at the top of the party for years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ antisemites everywhere that they had a home in Labour . ''
She added : `` I spoke up about this when I was in the shadow cabinet , it 's the only time when I broke collective responsibility .
`` I am half-Indian and I know what racism feels like , and I know it can not be your battle alone to fight it . ''
But Sir Keir branded Ms Nandy 's suggestion that the shadow cabinet snubbed the chance to view the party 's submission to the EHRC as `` nonsense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cabinet should be confidential and I do n't break the confidences .
`` It was [ ex-Labour deputy leader ] Tom Watson and I that were asking for that submission and we were offered it . ''
He also claimed fellow current shadow minister Ms Long-Bailey `` did n't speak out in the same way as I did '' .
But Ms Long-Bailey said she `` expressed my concern many , many times '' and countered : `` Keir knows that I spoke at shadow cabinet a number of times about this .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ fourth general election defeat in a row - its worst defeat since 1935 - she added : `` The time for retrospective criticism of each other has gone - we are in a crisis . ''
But another audience member challenged the candidates ' assertion of the need for action .
He said he had `` never once '' heard an antisemitic comment in his more than 40 years ' membership of Labour .
`` This is about propaganda against a leader [ Mr Corbyn ] who 's fought antisemitism in his constituency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's driven out right-wing people , '' he added .
`` It 's propaganda… and the Tories benefit . ''

The three Labour leadership hopefuls have clashed over the party's response to antisemitism allegations in a Sky News debate.
Each of Rebecca Long-Bailey, Lisa Nandy and Sir Keir Starmer - who are hoping to replace Jeremy Corbyn - asserted their own efforts in tackling the issue of Jewish hate.
In sometimes heated exchanges, the contenders also questioned whether their rivals had been as outspoken as they should have been in past years.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:21 Labour candidates spar over antisemitism
The issue was raised by a member of the audience at Dewsbury Town Hall, in West Yorkshire, who asked how shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir and shadow business secretary Ms Long-Bailey could "stand by" the party's leadership in the middle of Labour's antisemitism crisis.
"How on Earth did you stand by the leadership when you know so many Jewish people were made to feel they couldn't vote for the Labour Party?," they asked.
Labour is still under inquiry by the Equalities and Human Rights Commission over its handling of antisemitism allegations, with the independent body expected to publish its findings later this year.
Sir Keir stressed there had been "robust discussion" and "massive rows" over antisemitism within the shadow cabinet and he was "pushing time and again" for greater action.
"I said we need the international definition of antisemitism, we need to change our rules so we can throw people out if they are clearly antisemitic, and we need to open the books to the Equalities and Human Rights Commission," he said.
"I didn't just do it in the shadow cabinet, I did it in the public and on the media as well."
Advertisement
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 6:37 Was Jeremy Corbyn to blame for the election defeat?
Ms Nandy, who was briefly in the shadow cabinet before resigning in June 2016, challenged Sir Keir directly over the shadow cabinet's role.
She said: "If we do not acknowledge how badly the shadow cabinet as a whole got this wrong, we will not earn the trust of the Jewish community."
:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The Wigan MP claimed "a collective failure of leadership at the top of the party for years" had "given a green-light to antisemites everywhere that they had a home in Labour."
She added: "I spoke up about this when I was in the shadow cabinet, it's the only time when I broke collective responsibility.
"I am half-Indian and I know what racism feels like, and I know it cannot be your battle alone to fight it."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:51 What do the candidates like to drink?
But Sir Keir branded Ms Nandy's suggestion that the shadow cabinet snubbed the chance to view the party's submission to the EHRC as "nonsense".
He said: "Shadow cabinet should be confidential and I don't break the confidences.
"It was [ex-Labour deputy leader] Tom Watson and I that were asking for that submission and we were offered it."
He also claimed fellow current shadow minister Ms Long-Bailey "didn't speak out in the same way as I did".
But Ms Long-Bailey said she "expressed my concern many, many times" and countered: "Keir knows that I spoke at shadow cabinet a number of times about this."
With Labour having recently suffered its fourth general election defeat in a row - its worst defeat since 1935 - she added: "The time for retrospective criticism of each other has gone - we are in a crisis."
But another audience member challenged the candidates' assertion of the need for action.
He said he had "never once" heard an antisemitic comment in his more than 40 years' membership of Labour.
"This is about propaganda against a leader [Mr Corbyn] who's fought antisemitism in his constituency, he's fought racism, he's driven out right-wing people," he added.
"It's propaganda… and the Tories benefit."


skynewspolitics--2020-02-27--Brexit trade talks: UK prepared to walk away in June

The British government has said it is prepared to walk away from EU trade talks in June if not enough progress has been made .
Setting out its red lines ahead of talks with the EU starting next week , the government said it will not negotiate any arrangement in which the UK does not have control of its own laws and political life .
In a document published on Thursday morning , it said : `` That means we will not agree to any obligations for our laws to be aligned with the EU 's , or the EU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Justice ( ECJ ) to have any jurisdiction in the UK . ''
It insisted there was plenty of time to negotiate an agreement with the EU by June , to have it finalised by September and to then leave by the end of the transition period on 31 December .
• The UK is prepared to walk away from talks in June unless a `` broad outline '' is drawn up • Westminster will not agree to anything in which the UK does not have control of its laws • If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK will rely on World Trade Organisation terms similar to Australia 's relationship with the EU • The transition period will not be extended beyond 31 December so the UK will leave the EU 's single market and customs union by 1 January , 2021 • Access to British fishing waters will not be linked to access to EU markets , as demanded by Brussels The government 's position puts the UK on a collision course with Brussels , which demands a `` level playing field '' as a condition for a trade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negotiator , Michel Barnier , tweeted : `` We take note of the UK 's mandate published today and will discuss our respective positions on Monday .
`` We will stick to all our prior commitments in the political declaration .
`` We want an ambitious and fair partnership with the UK in the future . ''
: : Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Speaking in the Commons as the document was published , Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said the UK will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the types of relationship that the EU already has with other independent sovereign states '' .
He added that by using already existing precedents , the UK `` should be able to expedite agreement '' .
Fishing rights have already become one of the major points of contention ahead of the talks , with Brussels demanding the UK continues to allow EU fishing fleets access to British water , threatening that there `` wo n't be any agreement at all '' if that does not happen .
Mr Gove said : `` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our territory on our terms . ''
Addressing one of the major issues of a trade agreement , Mr Gove said the negotiations will be undertaken with `` full respect '' to the Northern Ireland protocol which aims to avoid the introduction of a hard border on the island of Ireland .
He said there will be no border in the Irish Sea .
Boris Johnson said he will not be making any concessions in the negotiations .
The prime minister said : `` We 're not going to engage in some race @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want is mutual recognition of each other 's high standards , and access to each other 's markets .
`` We would n't ask the EU to follow every change in UK legislation , so it does n't make any sense for them to make the same requirement of us , and that 's where we are . ''
Asked if he accepts the UK will have to make concessions in the negotiations , Mr Johnson said : `` Er , no . ''
Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster , whose party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until it won a majority in the last election , warned against the `` unsatisfactory and potentially devastating '' consequences if there was no-deal .
`` For businesses in Northern Ireland reliant on unfettered access to Great Britain , in both directions , this would be retrograde step , '' she said .
`` We are in no doubt that the provisions of the Northern Ireland Protocol would add significant cost , delay and disruption .
`` It is therefore imperative that the Government continues to invest time and resources into offsetting risks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the future relationship . ''

The British government has said it is prepared to walk away from EU trade talks in June if not enough progress has been made.
Setting out its red lines ahead of talks with the EU starting next week, the government said it will not negotiate any arrangement in which the UK does not have control of its own laws and political life.
In a document published on Thursday morning, it said: "That means we will not agree to any obligations for our laws to be aligned with the EU's, or the EU's institutions, including the European Courts of Justice (ECJ) to have any jurisdiction in the UK."
It insisted there was plenty of time to negotiate an agreement with the EU by June, to have it finalised by September and to then leave by the end of the transition period on 31 December.
The UK's red lines for EU negotiations:
The UK is prepared to walk away from talks in June unless a "broad outline" is drawn up
Westminster will not agree to anything in which the UK does not have control of its laws
If not enough progress is made, the UK will rely on World Trade Organisation terms similar to Australia's relationship with the EU
The transition period will not be extended beyond 31 December so the UK will leave the EU's single market and customs union by 1 January, 2021
Access to British fishing waters will not be linked to access to EU markets, as demanded by Brussels
Image: Michael Gove told the Commons the UK will not be held to ransom by the EU over fishing
The government's position puts the UK on a collision course with Brussels, which demands a "level playing field" as a condition for a trade deal.
The bloc's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, tweeted: "We take note of the UK's mandate published today and will discuss our respective positions on Monday.
"We will stick to all our prior commitments in the political declaration.
"We want an ambitious and fair partnership with the UK in the future."
Advertisement
:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Speaking in the Commons as the document was published, Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said the UK will seek "to emulate and build on the types of relationship that the EU already has with other independent sovereign states".
He added that by using already existing precedents, the UK "should be able to expedite agreement".
Fishing rights have already become one of the major points of contention ahead of the talks, with Brussels demanding the UK continues to allow EU fishing fleets access to British water, threatening that there "won't be any agreement at all" if that does not happen.
Image: EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said EU is sticking to its red lines
Mr Gove said: "We will determine other countries' access to our territory on our terms."
Addressing one of the major issues of a trade agreement, Mr Gove said the negotiations will be undertaken with "full respect" to the Northern Ireland protocol which aims to avoid the introduction of a hard border on the island of Ireland.
He said there will be no border in the Irish Sea.
Boris Johnson said he will not be making any concessions in the negotiations.
The prime minister said: "We're not going to engage in some race to the bottom.
"All we want is mutual recognition of each other's high standards, and access to each other's markets.
"We wouldn't ask the EU to follow every change in UK legislation, so it doesn't make any sense for them to make the same requirement of us, and that's where we are."
Asked if he accepts the UK will have to make concessions in the negotiations, Mr Johnson said: "Er, no."
Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster, whose party's crucial support the government relied on until it won a majority in the last election, warned against the "unsatisfactory and potentially devastating" consequences if there was no-deal.
"For businesses in Northern Ireland reliant on unfettered access to Great Britain, in both directions, this would be retrograde step," she said.
"We are in no doubt that the provisions of the Northern Ireland Protocol would add significant cost, delay and disruption.
"It is therefore imperative that the Government continues to invest time and resources into offsetting risks to businesses in parallel with talks on the future relationship."


skynewspolitics--2020-02-27--What are UK and EU's red lines in Brexit trade talks?

The UK and the EU have both set out their red lines ahead of trade talks that start on Monday .
The UK has said it is prepared to walk away from the talks in June if not enough progress has been made , while Brussels has warned Britain faces a `` tough road ahead '' .
There are several areas where the two sides are already at loggerheads .
Brussels has demanded the UK continues to allow EU fishing fleets access to British waters ahead of a free trade agreement .
EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said fishing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or there `` wo n't be any agreement at all '' .
But the British government is putting its foot down , with prime minister Boris Johnson saying UK fishing territory should be `` first and foremost '' for British boats once the UK leaves the Common Fisheries Policy .
The government has also refused to link fishing waters access to access to EU markets .
The EU has said that due to the proximity of the UK , a trade deal can not resemble one struck between Canada and Brussels - the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brussels said it wants to ensure there are no `` unfair competitive advantages '' between the two so a future trade deal should include `` corresponding high standards over time '' using the EU 's rules `` as a reference point '' .
It wants to keep the UK aligned to its regulations in areas including workers ' rights , environmental standards and state subsidies .
However , the UK is adamant regulatory alignment is not required and said it will not agree to anything in which the UK does not have control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` We would n't ask the EU to follow every change in UK legislation , so it does n't make any sense for them to make the same requirement of us , and that 's where we are . ''
He said the UK will not be making any concessions .
Brussels wants European courts to be responsible for resolving legal questions arising from the interpretation of EU law .
It says any questions over the interpretation of EU law should be referred to the Court of Justice of the European Union @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK says it will not agree to the court having any jurisdiction in the UK .
The UK wants the deal to include `` legally binding obligations on market access and fair competition '' with regulatory co-operation agreements .
Both sides had committed to carrying out assessments to check whether their current regulatory systems are compatible by the end of June - although the EU 's mandate did not mention the date .
Brussels said its assessment of UK rules could be changed at short notice - which could cause major problems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK wants to pull out of the European Arrest Warrant agreement , but wants an accord on `` fast-track extradition arrangements '' .
That poses an issue as some European countries , such as Germany , forbid the extradition of their nationals to non-EU countries .
The UK wants law enforcement to be part of a separate deal from the trade deal .
However , the EU wants one agreement covering everything .
Brussels has warned any co-operation must be based on the UK remaining signed up to the European Convention on Human @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Out Politics on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The EU has demanded that both sides should `` address issues relating to the return or restitution of unlawfully removed cultural objects to their countries of origin '' .
The Elgin Marbles , the Parthenon sculptures brought to Britain more than 200 years ago which Greece wants back , is believed to be the main issue there .
Downing Street has ruled out the marbles being part of the `` discussion as part of our trade negotiations '' .

The UK and the EU have both set out their red lines ahead of trade talks that start on Monday.
The UK has said it is prepared to walk away from the talks in June if not enough progress has been made, while Brussels has warned Britain faces a "tough road ahead".
There are several areas where the two sides are already at loggerheads.
Image: The UK's fishing waters have become a sticking point ahead of the talks
Fishing
Brussels has demanded the UK continues to allow EU fishing fleets access to British waters ahead of a free trade agreement.
EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said fishing rights must be included in the deal or there "won't be any agreement at all".
But the British government is putting its foot down, with prime minister Boris Johnson saying UK fishing territory should be "first and foremost" for British boats once the UK leaves the Common Fisheries Policy.
The government has also refused to link fishing waters access to access to EU markets.
Trade and a 'level playing field'
Advertisement
The EU has said that due to the proximity of the UK, a trade deal cannot resemble one struck between Canada and Brussels - the free trade model Mr Johnson wants.
Brussels said it wants to ensure there are no "unfair competitive advantages" between the two so a future trade deal should include "corresponding high standards over time" using the EU's rules "as a reference point".
It wants to keep the UK aligned to its regulations in areas including workers' rights, environmental standards and state subsidies.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:27 Gove: Fishing waters a 'sovereign resource'
However, the UK is adamant regulatory alignment is not required and said it will not agree to anything in which the UK does not have control of its laws.
Mr Johnson said: "We wouldn't ask the EU to follow every change in UK legislation, so it doesn't make any sense for them to make the same requirement of us, and that's where we are."
He said the UK will not be making any concessions.
European courts
Brussels wants European courts to be responsible for resolving legal questions arising from the interpretation of EU law.
It says any questions over the interpretation of EU law should be referred to the Court of Justice of the European Union for a binding ruling.
But, the UK says it will not agree to the court having any jurisdiction in the UK.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:47 Can the UK and EU reach a deal on trade?
Financial services
The UK wants the deal to include "legally binding obligations on market access and fair competition" with regulatory co-operation agreements.
Both sides had committed to carrying out assessments to check whether their current regulatory systems are compatible by the end of June - although the EU's mandate did not mention the date.
Brussels said its assessment of UK rules could be changed at short notice - which could cause major problems for the City of London.
Criminal justice
The UK wants to pull out of the European Arrest Warrant agreement, but wants an accord on "fast-track extradition arrangements".
That poses an issue as some European countries, such as Germany, forbid the extradition of their nationals to non-EU countries.
The UK wants law enforcement to be part of a separate deal from the trade deal.
However, the EU wants one agreement covering everything.
Brussels has warned any co-operation must be based on the UK remaining signed up to the European Convention on Human Rights.
:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Cultural objects
The EU has demanded that both sides should "address issues relating to the return or restitution of unlawfully removed cultural objects to their countries of origin".
The Elgin Marbles, the Parthenon sculptures brought to Britain more than 200 years ago which Greece wants back, is believed to be the main issue there.
Downing Street has ruled out the marbles being part of the "discussion as part of our trade negotiations".


skynewspolitics--2020-02-27--No 10 orders shake-up of Whitehall adviser hiring

Downing Street is ordering a shake-up of the way ministerial aides are recruited in the latest shift for an increasingly centralised government operation orchestrated by Boris Johnson ’ s closest ally .
Sky News has learnt that Number 10 has sanctioned an overhaul of the appointments process for the cabal of Whitehall special advisers ( SpAds ) who help shape the communications and digital agendas of government departments .
The new approach to hiring these SpAds will see open application processes for the roles , which have often been filled by party loyalists .
It is said to be designed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and professional arena with experience of advising business leaders and other senior figures - and fewer `` Westminster lifers '' .
According to a job advert placed on www.spadjobs.uk , a new website , on Thursday afternoon , Downing Street wants applicants with a `` track record of success working in communications or digital fields to apply '' to help `` effectively tackle long-term problems and take advantage of the opportunities Brexit has opened up '' .
The overhaul comes during a period of controversy for Boris Johnson 's administration over the way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 .
While they are political appointees , they are employed by the state rather than political parties .
This month , Sajid Javid resigned as the chancellor after refusing to sack his team of advisers and accept a group appointed by No 10 .
Mr Javid had previously been angered by a decision last summer by Dominic Cummings , the prime minister 's chief adviser , to sack Sonia Khan , his media adviser , over her alleged contact with Philip Hammond - Mr Javid 's predecessor as chancellor and an ardent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Cabinet Office was seeking to appoint a human resources official to oversee the interests of Whitehall SpAds .
There was further controversy last week when Andrew Sabisky , who had been hired by Mr Cummings to work as an adviser in No 10 , resigned over remarks he had previously made about eugenics and black people .
Mr Sabisky had been responding to a recent appeal from Mr Cummings to attract `` misfits and weirdos '' with different perspectives into government .
His brief tenure sparked criticism - including from some current @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Downing Street .
Under the new appointments system for media and digital SpAds , candidates will be screened and vetted by the Conservative Party .
They will then be interviewed by telephone before proceeding to a further interview with a panel including Isaac Levido , who directed the Tories ' recent general election campaign .
Lee Cain , the Downing Street communications director , will have the final say on all appointment decisions .
Insiders said that corporate affairs headhunters and former special advisers from Hanbury Strategy , a strategic advisory firm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election campaign , had been lined up to support the process .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The drive to entice more people into government from the private sector comes a decade after the Tories began appointing senior business figures directly onto the boards of Whitehall departments in an effort to inject greater commercial discipline into the way government was run .
Since then , the likes of Sir Ian Cheshire , the former Kingfisher CEO , former Standard Life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Co-op Group chief executive Richard Pennycook have chaired departmental boards .
Sir Ian is also the government 's overall lead non-executive director .
Ironically , the effort to recruit more SpAds with experience of advising business leaders comes as the PM prepares to disband the network of councils populated by private sector bosses that was set up by Theresa May , his predecessor .
Sky News revealed last week that Mr Johnson is likely to replace the five separate committees with a single , smaller group of advisers - if he opts for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No 10 source said on Thursday : `` We want to find experienced candidates who are prepared to work hard and help us unleash Britain 's potential - in particular , we want people who have a background in advising business leaders and SMEs .
`` Currently , talent is spread equally around the country but opportunity is n't .
`` We want to change that and encourage people from all backgrounds to come and help us build a brighter future for our country . ''

Downing Street is ordering a shake-up of the way ministerial aides are recruited in the latest shift for an increasingly centralised government operation orchestrated by Boris Johnson’s closest ally.
Sky News has learnt that Number 10 has sanctioned an overhaul of the appointments process for the cabal of Whitehall special advisers (SpAds) who help shape the communications and digital agendas of government departments.
The new approach to hiring these SpAds will see open application processes for the roles, which have often been filled by party loyalists.
It is said to be designed to encourage more recruits from the corporate and professional arena with experience of advising business leaders and other senior figures - and fewer "Westminster lifers".
According to a job advert placed on www.spadjobs.uk, a new website, on Thursday afternoon, Downing Street wants applicants with a "track record of success working in communications or digital fields to apply" to help "effectively tackle long-term problems and take advantage of the opportunities Brexit has opened up".
The overhaul comes during a period of controversy for Boris Johnson's administration over the way SpAds have been dealt with by No 10.
While they are political appointees, they are employed by the state rather than political parties.
This month, Sajid Javid resigned as the chancellor after refusing to sack his team of advisers and accept a group appointed by No 10.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:47 Javid makes Cummings dig in Commons statement
Mr Javid had previously been angered by a decision last summer by Dominic Cummings, the prime minister's chief adviser, to sack Sonia Khan, his media adviser, over her alleged contact with Philip Hammond - Mr Javid's predecessor as chancellor and an ardent anti-Brexiteer.
Advertisement
It emerged on Monday that the Cabinet Office was seeking to appoint a human resources official to oversee the interests of Whitehall SpAds.
There was further controversy last week when Andrew Sabisky, who had been hired by Mr Cummings to work as an adviser in No 10, resigned over remarks he had previously made about eugenics and black people.
Mr Sabisky had been responding to a recent appeal from Mr Cummings to attract "misfits and weirdos" with different perspectives into government.
Image: Dominic Cummings has appealed for 'misfits and weirdos' in Number 10
His brief tenure sparked criticism - including from some current ministers - of the vetting procedures used by Downing Street.
Under the new appointments system for media and digital SpAds, candidates will be screened and vetted by the Conservative Party.
They will then be interviewed by telephone before proceeding to a further interview with a panel including Isaac Levido, who directed the Tories' recent general election campaign.
Lee Cain, the Downing Street communications director, will have the final say on all appointment decisions.
Insiders said that corporate affairs headhunters and former special advisers from Hanbury Strategy, a strategic advisory firm which also played a role in the election campaign, had been lined up to support the process.
:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The drive to entice more people into government from the private sector comes a decade after the Tories began appointing senior business figures directly onto the boards of Whitehall departments in an effort to inject greater commercial discipline into the way government was run.
Since then, the likes of Sir Ian Cheshire, the former Kingfisher CEO, former Standard Life chairman Sir Gerry Grimstone, and former Co-op Group chief executive Richard Pennycook have chaired departmental boards.
Sir Ian is also the government's overall lead non-executive director.
Ironically, the effort to recruit more SpAds with experience of advising business leaders comes as the PM prepares to disband the network of councils populated by private sector bosses that was set up by Theresa May, his predecessor.
Sky News revealed last week that Mr Johnson is likely to replace the five separate committees with a single, smaller group of advisers - if he opts for such an arrangement at all.
A No 10 source said on Thursday: "We want to find experienced candidates who are prepared to work hard and help us unleash Britain's potential - in particular, we want people who have a background in advising business leaders and SMEs.
"Currently, talent is spread equally around the country but opportunity isn't.
"We want to change that and encourage people from all backgrounds to come and help us build a brighter future for our country."


skynewspolitics--2020-02-27--Generations of Tories pay tribute to Britain's 'first spin doctor'

Several generations of Conservative grandees , party leaders and cabinet ministers gathered at a central London church to pay tribute to a man described at the service as `` the first spin doctor '' in British politics .
Advertising and public relations giant Tim Bell , who died last August aged 77 , was credited in the tributes with helping Margaret Thatcher win power in 1979 ; and beginning a process that transformed British politics after the industrial unrest and economic decline of the 1970s .
Lord Bell , who admitted he `` adored '' Mrs Thatcher , was credited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Britain is n't working '' election poster in 1979 , as well as subsequent Tory election victories in 1983 and 1987 .
More recently , Lord Bell was a regular political pundit on Sky News , sharing his vast knowledge and expertise gained over four decades with viewers .
Those present at a memorial service at St Paul 's Church , Knightsbridge , included giants of the Thatcher cabinets - Michael Heseltine , who ultimately brought her down , and Lord Young , described in the 1980s as her favourite cabinet minister , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the row behind were former party leaders Iain Duncan Smith and Michael Howard , accompanied by his wife Sandra .
Across the aisle sat the nearly man of the Tory party and another Thatcher favourite , Michael Portillo , now renowned for his railway journey TV programmes .
Next to Mr Duncan Smith - somewhat incongruously - was Cherie Blair , barrister wife of the former Labour prime minister , Tony .
She recently did some work for Lord Bell 's latest PR business , Sans Frontieres .
George Osborne , another leading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party - until the 2016 EU referendum - and now editor of London 's Evening Standard , was also in the front row .
Other former Tory Cabinet ministers present included Peter Lilley , Andrew Lansley and - from more recent times - Liam Fox and John Whittingdale , who was Mrs Thatcher 's political secretary before becoming an MP .
Besides Mr Whittingdale - restored to the government by Boris Johnson as `` minister for the media '' at the Department for Digital , Culture , Media and Sport this month - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and now a Foreign Office minister .
Two of Mrs Thatcher 's most loyal backbench cheerleaders when she was prime minister , Sir Gerald Howarth and Neil Hamilton , were a few rows back .
Writing in the order of service , the prime minister - who in December won the Tories ' biggest Commons majority since Mrs Thatcher 's in 1987 - said of Lord Bell : `` A great servant of the Conservative Party who played a huge role in making us electable by the broadest cross-section of society .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so much . ''
David Cameron wrote : `` Swashbuckling , charismatic ad-man who was n't scared of telling politicians what he thought or what other people thought about them .
`` Tim helped to shape the lives of so many and made such an impression on me .
He will be sorely missed . ''
Tributes included an amusing eulogy by TV mogul and Tory peer Michael Grade , who revealed some of Lord Bell 's tricks of the advertising trade and also told how in recent years they sat together on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the House of Lords with Lord Bell `` chuntering '' during speeches by opposition peers .
At the beginning and end of the service the bidding and blessing were given by the former Bishop of London , Lord Chartres , regarded as the Conservative Party 's favourite bishop .
`` He 's just about the only Church of England bishop who is n't either a leftie Remoaner or a CND supporter , '' quipped one member of Mrs Thatcher 's inner circle .

Several generations of Conservative grandees, party leaders and cabinet ministers gathered at a central London church to pay tribute to a man described at the service as "the first spin doctor" in British politics.
Advertising and public relations giant Tim Bell, who died last August aged 77, was credited in the tributes with helping Margaret Thatcher win power in 1979; and beginning a process that transformed British politics after the industrial unrest and economic decline of the 1970s.
Lord Bell, who admitted he "adored" Mrs Thatcher, was credited with masterminding the famous but controversial "Britain isn't working" election poster in 1979, as well as subsequent Tory election victories in 1983 and 1987.
More recently, Lord Bell was a regular political pundit on Sky News, sharing his vast knowledge and expertise gained over four decades with viewers.
Image: Lord Bell admitted he 'adored' Margaert Thatcher
Those present at a memorial service at St Paul's Church, Knightsbridge, included giants of the Thatcher cabinets - Michael Heseltine, who ultimately brought her down, and Lord Young, described in the 1980s as her favourite cabinet minister, seated in the front row.
In the row behind were former party leaders Iain Duncan Smith and Michael Howard, accompanied by his wife Sandra.
Across the aisle sat the nearly man of the Tory party and another Thatcher favourite, Michael Portillo, now renowned for his railway journey TV programmes.
Next to Mr Duncan Smith - somewhat incongruously - was Cherie Blair, barrister wife of the former Labour prime minister, Tony.
She recently did some work for Lord Bell's latest PR business, Sans Frontieres.
Advertisement
George Osborne, another leading Tory who had hoped to lead the party - until the 2016 EU referendum - and now editor of London's Evening Standard, was also in the front row.
Other former Tory Cabinet ministers present included Peter Lilley, Andrew Lansley and - from more recent times - Liam Fox and John Whittingdale, who was Mrs Thatcher's political secretary before becoming an MP.
Besides Mr Whittingdale - restored to the government by Boris Johnson as "minister for the media" at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport this month - was James Cleverly, former Tory chairman and now a Foreign Office minister.
Image: Boris Johnson described Lord Bell as 'a great servant of the Conservative Party'
Two of Mrs Thatcher's most loyal backbench cheerleaders when she was prime minister, Sir Gerald Howarth and Neil Hamilton, were a few rows back.
Writing in the order of service, the prime minister - who in December won the Tories' biggest Commons majority since Mrs Thatcher's in 1987 - said of Lord Bell: "A great servant of the Conservative Party who played a huge role in making us electable by the broadest cross-section of society.
"The party in government today owes him so much."
David Cameron wrote: "Swashbuckling, charismatic ad-man who wasn't scared of telling politicians what he thought or what other people thought about them.
"Tim helped to shape the lives of so many and made such an impression on me. He will be sorely missed."
Tributes included an amusing eulogy by TV mogul and Tory peer Michael Grade, who revealed some of Lord Bell's tricks of the advertising trade and also told how in recent years they sat together on the back row of the government benches in the House of Lords with Lord Bell "chuntering" during speeches by opposition peers.
At the beginning and end of the service the bidding and blessing were given by the former Bishop of London, Lord Chartres, regarded as the Conservative Party's favourite bishop.
"He's just about the only Church of England bishop who isn't either a leftie Remoaner or a CND supporter," quipped one member of Mrs Thatcher's inner circle.


skynewspolitics--2020-02-27--PM guilty of 'ill-judged' comments and should 'think carefully' - Tory MP

Boris Johnson has been guilty of `` really ill-judged '' comments and should `` think very carefully about what he is saying '' , according to a senior Conservative MP .
Caroline Nokes , a former government minister who is now chair of the House of Commons women and equalities committee , has taken the prime minister to task for his `` unfortunate '' language .
Mr Johnson has been heavily criticised for remarks in his past newspaper columns , which have included references to `` flag-waving piccaninnies '' , Africans with `` watermelon smiles '' and `` tank-topped bum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson used a piece in the Daily Telegraph to describe veil-wearing Muslim women as looking like `` letterboxes '' and `` bank robbers '' .
Rap star Dave accused the prime minister of being a `` real racist '' during a politically-charged performance at this month 's Brit Awards .
In an interview with The House magazine , Ms Nokes said it was `` incumbent on the prime minister to think very carefully about what he is saying and the impact it could have on certain communities , on different ethnicities , on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's past comments could be considered racist , the Romsey and Southampton North MP replied : `` I think his comments have been really ill-judged , and the one that stands out to mind was the comment about letterboxes .
`` And I have always held the view that it 's not for any man to tell any woman what she should wear - advice that I would sometimes shout at my own father when he comments on what I 'm wearing .
`` But I think the prime minister 's choice of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ newspaper columnist were unfortunate . ''
The prime minister has previously responded to criticism of his past writings by apologising for `` the offence I have caused '' but vowed to `` continue to speak directly as I can '' .
`` Occasionally some plaster comes off the ceiling as a result of a phrase I may have used , or the way that phrase has been wrenched out of context by those who wish for reasons of their own to caricature , '' Mr Johnson said last year .
: : Listen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Ms Nokes served as immigration minister under former prime minister Theresa May , but was sacked when Mr Johnson entered 10 Downing Street .
She found out she had lost her government role via Twitter .
Last September , Ms Nokes was effectively expelled from the Conservative Party when she had the Tory whip withdrawn by Mr Johnson for voting against his Brexit strategy .
But she was among a group of MPs to have the Conservative whip restored eight weeks later .
In the magazine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concern about a `` massive increase '' in hate crime .
`` Do I think the country has become less tolerant ?
Yeah , I do , '' she said .
Ms Nokes was also scathing about the culture in parliament .
`` You arrive here , and it is like arriving in a boys prep school , where the inmates have n't quite got to 13 , '' she said .
`` And it was a real shock to my system .
`` If parliament wants to take credit for one thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the course of the last 10 years , it is turning me into a feminist . ''

Boris Johnson has been guilty of "really ill-judged" comments and should "think very carefully about what he is saying", according to a senior Conservative MP.
Caroline Nokes, a former government minister who is now chair of the House of Commons women and equalities committee, has taken the prime minister to task for his "unfortunate" language.
Mr Johnson has been heavily criticised for remarks in his past newspaper columns, which have included references to "flag-waving piccaninnies", Africans with "watermelon smiles" and "tank-topped bum boys".
Image: Caroline Nokes was sacked by the prime minister last year
In 2018, Mr Johnson used a piece in the Daily Telegraph to describe veil-wearing Muslim women as looking like "letterboxes" and "bank robbers".
Rap star Dave accused the prime minister of being a "real racist" during a politically-charged performance at this month's Brit Awards.
In an interview with The House magazine, Ms Nokes said it was "incumbent on the prime minister to think very carefully about what he is saying and the impact it could have on certain communities, on different ethnicities, on women".
Asked whether Mr Johnson's past comments could be considered racist, the Romsey and Southampton North MP replied: "I think his comments have been really ill-judged, and the one that stands out to mind was the comment about letterboxes.
"And I have always held the view that it's not for any man to tell any woman what she should wear - advice that I would sometimes shout at my own father when he comments on what I'm wearing.
"But I think the prime minister's choice of words when grabbing headlines and being a newspaper columnist were unfortunate."
Advertisement
The prime minister has previously responded to criticism of his past writings by apologising for "the offence I have caused" but vowed to "continue to speak directly as I can".
"Occasionally some plaster comes off the ceiling as a result of a phrase I may have used, or the way that phrase has been wrenched out of context by those who wish for reasons of their own to caricature," Mr Johnson said last year.
:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Ms Nokes served as immigration minister under former prime minister Theresa May, but was sacked when Mr Johnson entered 10 Downing Street.
She found out she had lost her government role via Twitter.
Last September, Ms Nokes was effectively expelled from the Conservative Party when she had the Tory whip withdrawn by Mr Johnson for voting against his Brexit strategy.
But she was among a group of MPs to have the Conservative whip restored eight weeks later.
In the magazine interview, Ms Nokes spoke of her concern about a "massive increase" in hate crime.
"Do I think the country has become less tolerant? Yeah, I do," she said.
Ms Nokes was also scathing about the culture in parliament.
"You arrive here, and it is like arriving in a boys prep school, where the inmates haven't quite got to 13," she said.
"And it was a real shock to my system.
"If parliament wants to take credit for one thing that it has done for me over the course of the last 10 years, it is turning me into a feminist."