skynewspolitics--2020-06-05--'No significant areas of progress' in UK-EU talks, says Barnier

There have been `` no significant areas of progress '' in the UK 's negotiations with the EU over a post-Brexit trade deal , the bloc 's chief negotiator has said .
Michel Barnier spoke in Brussels following the conclusion of the fourth round of talks between the EU and UK on a future relationship .
In a statement released as Mr Barnier gave his news conference , the UK 's chief negotiator David Frost agreed that `` progress remains limited '' despite the talks being `` positive in tone '' .
`` Negotiations will continue and we remain committed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added .
The UK officially left the EU in January but is currently in the Brexit transition period - meaning it maintains the status quo of membership of the bloc .
The transition period is set to expire at the end of December , with both sides having until the end of this month to agree an extension .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has repeatedly said he will not seek to extend the transition period , although Mr Barnier reiterated on Friday that the EU has `` always been open to extending this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If the Brexit transition period ends without a deal being struck , the UK will likely have to trade with the EU on World Trade Organisation terms from next year .
Due to the coronavirus pandemic , recent negotiations have been conducted between the UK and EU teams remotely .
But Mr Frost said the two sides were `` close to reaching the limits of what we can achieve through the format of remote formal rounds '' of talks .
`` If we are to make progress , it is clear that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he added , saying the UK was discussing with the European Commission `` how this can best be done '' .
Mr Barnier said he hopes to restart face-to-face talks at the end of June .
`` I think it will work better , it 'll be more effective and easier , '' he added .
Talks are planned between Mr Johnson and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and European Council president Charles Michel later this month , in an effort to unblock negotiations .
: : Listen to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker At the Brussels news conference , Mr Barnier said the two sides were still `` very far '' from reaching agreement in key areas .
This includes fisheries and so-called `` level playing field '' commitments to common rules and standards .
Mr Barnier also accused the UK of seeking , in `` round after round '' , to `` distance themselves '' from the political declaration on a future relationship agreed by Mr Johnson and EU leaders last year .
`` We can not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the political declaration , '' he said .
UK negotiators want a separate fisheries agreement , which is untied to a wider trade deal .
They also accused the EU of going beyond what is appropriate for a free trade agreement in its demands for level playing field commitements .
Mr Frost said : `` For our part we are willing to work hard to see whether at least the outline of a balanced agreement , covering all issues , can be reached soon .
`` Any such deal must of course accommodate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ position on the so-called 'level playing field ' , on fisheries , and the other difficult issues . ''

There have been "no significant areas of progress" in the UK's negotiations with the EU over a post-Brexit trade deal, the bloc's chief negotiator has said.
Michel Barnier spoke in Brussels following the conclusion of the fourth round of talks between the EU and UK on a future relationship.
In a statement released as Mr Barnier gave his news conference, the UK's chief negotiator David Frost agreed that "progress remains limited" despite the talks being "positive in tone".
"Negotiations will continue and we remain committed to a successful outcome," he added.
The UK officially left the EU in January but is currently in the Brexit transition period - meaning it maintains the status quo of membership of the bloc.
The transition period is set to expire at the end of December, with both sides having until the end of this month to agree an extension.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has repeatedly said he will not seek to extend the transition period, although Mr Barnier reiterated on Friday that the EU has "always been open to extending this period by one or two years".
If the Brexit transition period ends without a deal being struck, the UK will likely have to trade with the EU on World Trade Organisation terms from next year.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:43 Now the UK is out of the EU, what next?
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, recent negotiations have been conducted between the UK and EU teams remotely.
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But Mr Frost said the two sides were "close to reaching the limits of what we can achieve through the format of remote formal rounds" of talks.
"If we are to make progress, it is clear that we must intensify and accelerate our work," he added, saying the UK was discussing with the European Commission "how this can best be done".
Mr Barnier said he hopes to restart face-to-face talks at the end of June.
"I think it will work better, it'll be more effective and easier," he added.
Talks are planned between Mr Johnson and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and European Council president Charles Michel later this month, in an effort to unblock negotiations.
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At the Brussels news conference, Mr Barnier said the two sides were still "very far" from reaching agreement in key areas.
This includes fisheries and so-called "level playing field" commitments to common rules and standards.
Mr Barnier also accused the UK of seeking, in "round after round", to "distance themselves" from the political declaration on a future relationship agreed by Mr Johnson and EU leaders last year.
"We cannot and will not accept this backtracking on the political declaration," he said.
UK negotiators want a separate fisheries agreement, which is untied to a wider trade deal.
They also accused the EU of going beyond what is appropriate for a free trade agreement in its demands for level playing field commitments.
Mr Frost said: "For our part we are willing to work hard to see whether at least the outline of a balanced agreement, covering all issues, can be reached soon.
"Any such deal must of course accommodate the reality of the UK's well-established position on the so-called 'level playing field', on fisheries, and the other difficult issues."
Following the latest round of talks, a senior UK negotiating official spoke of a need to "intensify" efforts in July and August.
They said: "We are not up for a long negotiation over the next months well into the autumn where nobody knows what is going to happen; October is too late for us to conclude this."
"We need to work intensively now and into July to see if we can find the high-level trade-offs that unlock a deal within all our important negotiating parameters."
The official added: "There have been some clarifications, some understandings, but no movement on the fundamental issues that are the problems in this negotiation."
Josh Hardie, the deputy director-general of the Confederation of British Industry, described an "ambitious deal" with the EU as a "cornerstone" of the UK's recovery from the coronavirus crisis.
He said: "Progress is worryingly slow, causing deep concern to firms when resilience has rarely been more fragile.
"The stark reality is that most businesses are understandably unprepared for a dramatic change in trading relations with our biggest partner in just six months' time."
He called for political leaders to "step in urgently, change the dynamic and find solutions that protect people's livelihoods".


skynewspolitics--2020-06-05--People should start wearing face masks now - and not just on public transport, doctors say

Plans to make face coverings compulsory on public transport do not go far enough , the British Medical Association has warned .
From 15 June , bus and train commuters in England could be refused travel if they fail to comply with the measures - or face a fine .
But according to the BMA , this should be extended to all areas where social distancing is not possible .
BMA council chair Dr Chaand Nagpaul also questioned why the introduction of these measures has been delayed - adding that the risk posed by coronavirus would be `` much less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coverings immediately .
He said : `` The BMA recently advocated the wearing of face coverings by the public several weeks ago in areas where they can not socially distance and believes it is right that people should be required to wear face coverings on public transport .
`` Given there remains a considerable risk of infection , with thousands of new cases every day , wearing masks can reduce the spread of the virus .
`` Not only will this afford greater protection to the public , importantly it will protect the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transport who , as evidence suggests , are at greater risk of infection . ''
Dr Nagpaul has also called for the government to provide a supply of face coverings to the public , and offer advice on how they can be used correctly .
Face coverings can include scarves , a piece of cloth or a mask - and certain travellers , such as young children and people with disabilities or breathing difficulties , will be exempt .
At the moment , passengers are advised to wear a face covering but are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Announcing the plans , Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said `` we need to ensure every precaution is taken '' as England relaxes the lockdown further , and passenger numbers start to increase once again .
The government says face coverings are `` marginally beneficial as a precautionary measure '' .
It 's coronavirus guidance states : `` Evidence suggests that wearing a face covering does not protect you .
`` However , if you are infected but have not yet developed symptoms , it may provide some protection for others you come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to official advice , surgical masks should be reserved for people who need them for protection while at work .
London mayor Sadiq Khan , who has been lobbying ministers to make face coverings mandatory , welcomed a government `` u-turn '' on the issue .
He told Sky News : `` I do n't understand why it 's taken this long for the government to reach it 's view in relation to making it compulsory .
`` I think that should be extended to shops as well .
`` Not because we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ metre rule , but because ... this is another step we can take to mitigate the chances of catching the virus or passing it on . ''
Asked why face-coverings were being made compulsory on public transport but not in other settings , such as supermarkets , Mr Shapps told Sky News : `` The big difference on public transport is that you 'll likely to be stuck in a space for a longer period of time , whereas in a supermarket you might go past somebody quite quickly .
`` So it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of time you spend with somebody .
`` On public transport you could be there for 10 to 20 minutes , half an hour or longer , so that actually becomes more important .
`` It has been quite a marginal scientific argument , on balance we think that now the trains , buses , trams and aircrafts are likely to be more congested than before , it 's a sensible , additional precuationary measure .
`` But certainly not a magic , silver bullet thing to do .
`` It 's also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a mask , you 're actually protecting those around you a bit , as well as yourself .
`` So it 's quite a public-spirited , altruistic thing to do as well . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Shadow transport secretary Jim McMahon said it was `` another example of the government being slow to act '' , adding : `` Two months ago , Labour immediately backed the mayor of London 's call for face coverings on public transport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now Tory ministers are acting . ''
Transport unions echoed the criticism of the government - describing the measures as `` long overdue '' .
RMT general secretary Mick Cash said : `` We fear this announcement is being driven not by safety concerns but by the premature easing of the lockdown which is swelling passenger numbers and making social distancing on transport increasingly impossible . ''

Plans to make face coverings compulsory on public transport do not go far enough, the British Medical Association has warned.
From 15 June, bus and train commuters in England could be refused travel if they fail to comply with the measures - or face a fine.
But according to the BMA, this should be extended to all areas where social distancing is not possible.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:57 Face coverings to be compulsory on public transport
BMA council chair Dr Chaand Nagpaul also questioned why the introduction of these measures has been delayed - adding that the risk posed by coronavirus would be "much less" if the public starts wearing face coverings immediately.
He said: "The BMA recently advocated the wearing of face coverings by the public several weeks ago in areas where they cannot socially distance and believes it is right that people should be required to wear face coverings on public transport.
"Given there remains a considerable risk of infection, with thousands of new cases every day, wearing masks can reduce the spread of the virus.
"Not only will this afford greater protection to the public, importantly it will protect the lives of the staff working on public transport who, as evidence suggests, are at greater risk of infection."
However on Friday, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said that masks "on their own" will not protect from COVID-19.
Dr Nagpaul has also called for the government to provide a supply of face coverings to the public, and offer advice on how they can be used correctly.
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Image: At present, passengers do not face fines if they fail to wear a face covering on buses and trains
BMA Wales council chair Dr David Bailey also pressed the Welsh government to change their position on face coverings to make them mandatory.
The Welsh government has said the use of face coverings is "a matter of personal choice" for the public.
Face coverings can include scarves, a piece of cloth or a mask - and certain travellers, such as young children and people with disabilities or breathing difficulties, will be exempt.
At the moment, passengers are advised to wear a face covering but are not prevented from boarding transport without one.
Announcing the plans, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said "we need to ensure every precaution is taken" as England relaxes the lockdown further, and passenger numbers start to increase once again.
The government says face coverings are "marginally beneficial as a precautionary measure".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:12 Study into effectiveness of face masks
It's coronavirus guidance states: "Evidence suggests that wearing a face covering does not protect you.
"However, if you are infected but have not yet developed symptoms, it may provide some protection for others you come into close contact with."
According to official advice, surgical masks should be reserved for people who need them for protection while at work.
London mayor Sadiq Khan, who has been lobbying ministers to make face coverings mandatory, welcomed a government "u-turn" on the issue.
He told Sky News: "I don't understand why it's taken this long for the government to reach it's view in relation to making it compulsory.
"I think that should be extended to shops as well.
"Not because we're encouraging people to break the two metre rule, but because... this is another step we can take to mitigate the chances of catching the virus or passing it on."
Image: London mayor Sadiq Khan says the government 'has finally seen sense'
Asked why face-coverings were being made compulsory on public transport but not in other settings, such as supermarkets, Mr Shapps told Sky News: "The big difference on public transport is that you'll likely to be stuck in a space for a longer period of time, whereas in a supermarket you might go past somebody quite quickly.
"So it is also a factor of the amount of time you spend with somebody.
"On public transport you could be there for 10 to 20 minutes, half an hour or longer, so that actually becomes more important.
"It has been quite a marginal scientific argument, on balance we think that now the trains, buses, trams and aircrafts are likely to be more congested than before, it's a sensible, additional precuationary measure.
"But certainly not a magic, silver bullet thing to do.
"It's also important to note, when you wear a mask, you're actually protecting those around you a bit, as well as yourself.
"So it's quite a public-spirited, altruistic thing to do as well."
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Shadow transport secretary Jim McMahon said it was "another example of the government being slow to act", adding: "Two months ago, Labour immediately backed the mayor of London's call for face coverings on public transport to be compulsory.
"Yet only now Tory ministers are acting."
Transport unions echoed the criticism of the government - describing the measures as "long overdue".
RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: "We fear this announcement is being driven not by safety concerns but by the premature easing of the lockdown which is swelling passenger numbers and making social distancing on transport increasingly impossible."


skynewspolitics--2020-06-05--'Die-in' outside Dominic Cummings's house over coronavirus response

Protesters staged a `` die-in '' outside Dominic Cummings ' house over the government 's response to the coronavirus pandemic .
Holding signs and wearing face masks , about 20 campaigners lay on the street outside the north London home of the prime minister 's controversial adviser on Thursday evening .
One of the placards read : `` Over 50,000 dead while you 're playing king of the castle . ''
Mr Cummings , and his boss Mr Johnson , have faced questions over him travelling to Durham days after the lockdown was announced to stay at a house on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ displayed COVID-19 symptoms .
He also drove 30 minutes to beauty spot Barnard Castle , claiming he needed to test his eyesight after being ill to check if he could drive back to London .
Protester Sita Bilani said she was unable to attend her aunt 's funeral after she died with COVID-19 in April due to lockdown and social distancing measures .
`` It 's insulting to hear Boris Johnson say we should 'move on ' , '' she said .
`` The lack of remorse , not just for Cummings ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thousands of preventable deaths is a disgrace . ''
Campaigners said they all remained two metres from each other during the 30-minute protest .
They said the response from the street was `` largely positive '' , with about 15 neighbours joining them and one leading a chant of `` Black Lives Matter '' .
The protesters called on the government to sack Mr Cummings and implement a strategy to tackle the pandemic based on World Health Organisation recommendations .
And they demanded Public Health England publish the `` full findings '' of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and minority ethnic ( BAME ) people are at significantly higher risk of dying from COVID-19 .
The protesters said they intend to carry out more demonstrations on the issue .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker In a news conference two weeks ago about his trip to Durham , Mr Cummings said his London home has been a `` target for harassment '' .
He added : `` I did not make my movements public at the time , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ target .
`` I did not believe I was obliged to make my parents ' home and my sister 's home a target for harassment as well . ''
The Metropolitan Police said they attended the protest and dispersed it after a `` short time '' , with no arrests made .

Protesters staged a "die-in" outside Dominic Cummings' house over the government's response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Holding signs and wearing face masks, about 20 campaigners lay on the street outside the north London home of the prime minister's controversial adviser on Thursday evening.
One of the placards read: "Over 50,000 dead while you're playing king of the castle."
Image: Protesters held up a sign saying: 'Over 50,000 dead while you're playing king of the castle'
Mr Cummings, and his boss Mr Johnson, have faced questions over him travelling to Durham days after the lockdown was announced to stay at a house on his parents' property after his wife displayed COVID-19 symptoms.
He also drove 30 minutes to beauty spot Barnard Castle, claiming he needed to test his eyesight after being ill to check if he could drive back to London.
Last month Durham Police said Mr Cummings's trip to Barnard Castle "might have been a minor breach" of the lockdown rules, but added they had no intention of taking retrospective action.
Protester Sita Bilani said she was unable to attend her aunt's funeral after she died with COVID-19 in April due to lockdown and social distancing measures.
"It's insulting to hear Boris Johnson say we should 'move on'," she said.
"The lack of remorse, not just for Cummings' disregard for the rules but for the thousands of preventable deaths is a disgrace."
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Image: Mr Cummings's neighbours joined in the protest
Campaigners said they all remained two metres from each other during the 30-minute protest.
They said the response from the street was "largely positive", with about 15 neighbours joining them and one leading a chant of "Black Lives Matter".
The protesters called on the government to sack Mr Cummings and implement a strategy to tackle the pandemic based on World Health Organisation recommendations.
And they demanded Public Health England publish the "full findings" of its review which found black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) people are at significantly higher risk of dying from COVID-19.
The protesters said they intend to carry out more demonstrations on the issue.
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In a news conference two weeks ago about his trip to Durham, Mr Cummings said his London home has been a "target for harassment".
He added: "I did not make my movements public at the time, because my London home was already a target.
"I did not believe I was obliged to make my parents' home and my sister's home a target for harassment as well."
The Metropolitan Police said they attended the protest and dispersed it after a "short time", with no arrests made.


skynewspolitics--2020-06-05--Miliband launches Attlee-style green coronavirus rescue plan

Ed Miliband is unveiling plans for a green economic rescue from the coronavirus crisis , in his first major policy initiative since his comeback to front line politics .
The former Labour leader , who was appointed shadow business secretary last month , is proposing a recovery plan focused on retraining a `` zero-carbon army '' of young people who lost their jobs to work in green industries .
And he claims the economic damage caused by coronavirus and the need to tackle climate change requires ambition on the scale of Clement Attlee 's post-war Labour government .
It has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become unemployed this year because of COVID-19 and Mr Miliband wants to `` kick-start a green recovery '' .
He is proposing a scheme in which the government pays the wages of young workers on eco-projects such as planting trees , insulating buildings and working on green technologies .
Mr Miliband told Sky News : `` There are of course very big financial pressures as a result of this crisis .
`` But I agree with the government on this - not acting costs more than acting .
`` Because if we do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to put people back to work , we will pile up large benefit spending for the future , we will reduce our tax revenues and we 'll have a smaller economy .
`` That will make our debt harder and not easier to finance . ''
Highlighting the UK 's commitment to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 , he added : `` We 're going to have to do this anyway because , by 2050 at the latest , we 're going to have to have zero emissions as a country .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Mr Miliband , appointed back to Labour 's front bench by new Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer , is launching a consultation on the policy with Labour 's shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds .
`` This is a moment of profound economic distress for the country , '' said Mr Miliband , Labour leader from 2010 until he led the party to defeat in the 2015 general election .
`` People are losing their jobs at an alarming rate in the midst of the biggest recession for 300 years .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers .
`` There is so much work to be done , from home energy insulation to designing and producing zero emission vehicles to renewable energy production to reforesting and improving our green spaces and redesigning and improving our towns and cities . ''
`` This rapid consultation will seek views on specific measures that can be taken now to kick start a green recovery .
`` We know that this work needs to be done if we are to meet our climate objectives . ''
And comparing his plan to the sweeping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Miliband said in an earlier interview : `` It 's a contemporary equivalent of what happened after 1945 . ''
• How jobs can be retained , supported and created in the green economy of the future • Helping businesses transition to a green economy as part of the recovery • Focusing public and private investment on green technologies , research and innovation • Redeploying and retraining people from industries where people have lost their jobs Labour says it wants to encourage businesses , unions , workers , green campaign groups and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ green recovery should look like .
The aim is to come up with a green jobs plan to reduce unemployment , stimulate the economy and invest in green industries of the future .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The consultation , which will run until the end of June , will involve virtual round tables with industry and experts , as well as town hall-style events online with environmental groups and the public .
Ms Dodds said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and widest in hundreds of years , the long-term costs of failing to deal with the climate crisis also pose grave risks for our economy .
`` We must ensure that the recovery builds back better .
`` Public funds must be focused on sustaining and promoting employment , especially in those areas which are already struggling ; and meeting our climate and environmental commitments .
`` I would urge anyone who feels they have solutions to these enormous challenges to contribute to this consultation . ''

Ed Miliband is unveiling plans for a green economic rescue from the coronavirus crisis, in his first major policy initiative since his comeback to front line politics.
The former Labour leader, who was appointed shadow business secretary last month, is proposing a recovery plan focused on retraining a "zero-carbon army" of young people who lost their jobs to work in green industries.
And he claims the economic damage caused by coronavirus and the need to tackle climate change requires ambition on the scale of Clement Attlee's post-war Labour government.
Image: Ed Miliband wants ambition on the scale of Clement Attlee's post-war Labour government
It has been estimated that 600,000 young people could become unemployed this year because of COVID-19 and Mr Miliband wants to "kick-start a green recovery".
He is proposing a scheme in which the government pays the wages of young workers on eco-projects such as planting trees, insulating buildings and working on green technologies.
Mr Miliband told Sky News: "There are of course very big financial pressures as a result of this crisis.
"But I agree with the government on this - not acting costs more than acting.
"Because if we don't act now to save jobs, to put people back to work, we will pile up large benefit spending for the future, we will reduce our tax revenues and we'll have a smaller economy.
"That will make our debt harder and not easier to finance."
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Highlighting the UK's commitment to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, he added: "We're going to have to do this anyway because, by 2050 at the latest, we're going to have to have zero emissions as a country.
"So it makes financial sense too."
Image: Mr Miliband has returned to Labour's front bench after five years away
Mr Miliband, appointed back to Labour's front bench by new Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, is launching a consultation on the policy with Labour's shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds.
"This is a moment of profound economic distress for the country," said Mr Miliband, Labour leader from 2010 until he led the party to defeat in the 2015 general election.
"People are losing their jobs at an alarming rate in the midst of the biggest recession for 300 years.
"We need a zero-carbon army, helping all workers.
"There is so much work to be done, from home energy insulation to designing and producing zero emission vehicles to renewable energy production to reforesting and improving our green spaces and redesigning and improving our towns and cities."
"This rapid consultation will seek views on specific measures that can be taken now to kick start a green recovery.
"We know that this work needs to be done if we are to meet our climate objectives."
And comparing his plan to the sweeping reforms of the Attlee government, Mr Miliband said in an earlier interview: "It's a contemporary equivalent of what happened after 1945."
Labour is seeking proposals on:
How jobs can be retained, supported and created in the green economy of the future
Helping businesses transition to a green economy as part of the recovery
Focusing public and private investment on green technologies, research and innovation
Redeploying and retraining people from industries where people have lost their jobs
Rewilding, reforesting and restoring natural spaces
Labour says it wants to encourage businesses, unions, workers, green campaign groups and the public to submit ideas on what a green recovery should look like.
The aim is to come up with a green jobs plan to reduce unemployment, stimulate the economy and invest in green industries of the future.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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The consultation, which will run until the end of June, will involve virtual round tables with industry and experts, as well as town hall-style events online with environmental groups and the public.
Ms Dodds said: "While the current recession is the deepest and widest in hundreds of years, the long-term costs of failing to deal with the climate crisis also pose grave risks for our economy.
"We must ensure that the recovery builds back better.
"Public funds must be focused on sustaining and promoting employment, especially in those areas which are already struggling; and meeting our climate and environmental commitments.
"I would urge anyone who feels they have solutions to these enormous challenges to contribute to this consultation."


skynewspolitics--2020-06-05--Watchdog to investigate racial inequalities in British COVID-19 deaths

An inquiry is being launched by the human rights watchdog to address racial inequalities highlighted by the coronavirus pandemic .
The Equality and Human Rights Commission ( EHRC ) has announced it will carry out the inquiry after Public Health England ( PHE ) published a review into the disparities within ethnic minorities from COVID-19 .
The initial review , commissioned by the government , left many with `` widespread concerns '' and `` does n't go wider to address inequalities that exist '' , the chairman of the EHRC said .
After accounting for the effect of sex , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PHE review found people of Bangladeshi ethnicity are about twice as likely to die from coronavirus than white British people .
Those of Chinese , Indian , Pakistani , other Asian , Caribbean and other black ethnicity have between a 10 % and 50 % higher risk of dying from COVID-19 compared with white British people .
In-depth analysis from the commission will deliver evidence-based recommendations for urgent action to tackle racial and social inequalities , which they believe has led to the disproportionately high number of black , Asian and minority ethnic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Differences in opportunities across England , Scotland and Wales will also be looked into .
EHRC chairman , David Isaac , told Sky News : `` I 'm keen that a number of things happen and the voices of BAME communities are heard .
`` We need to learn the lessons quickly in relation to the data that exists and the vulnerabilities .
Whether it 's in relation to education , the health sector or the work place .
`` We need to take equalities into account as a top table issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We can not afford to take risks with people 's lives and equality is essential to building better lives . ''
He criticised the government 's review for saying `` what we were expecting it would tell us '' but not expanding on that .
`` We 're concerned that the equality issues are taken into account and respond to the issues and understand them better and come up with long term , coherent responses to address the inequalities that exist , '' he added .
`` There have been calls for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I believe now is the best moment in a generation to proceed with these responses .
`` We need to take this call for action very seriously . ''
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps highlighted how equalities minister Kemi Badenoch would now be taking forward the PHE report in order to make recommendations .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Highlighting the novelty of the coronavirus pandemic , he told Sky News : `` Three months ago we would n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Tha facts had to be established and the PHE report laid those facts out .
`` Indeed it is the case that this is something that has disproportionately affected those communities , those minority communities .
`` So it 's absolutely right Kemi is going to take this forward and make actual recommendations .
`` But let 's not pretend there 's some sort of magic solution to these things , we 've got to find out why it 's happening first , which the report started to do . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ has n't gone far enough '' but said `` this is one of the best countries in the world to be a black person '' .
She said : `` There was more I was hoping to see from this review , but Public Health England could n't collect the data for morbidities , occupation and underlying health conditions .
`` We were not able to make recommendations because this data was n't possible to collect . ''
Shadow equalities secretary Marsha De Cordova welcomed the EHRC inquiry , but was still concerned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following the PHE review .
She told Sky News : `` What I 'm hoping this inquiry will do , is actually begin to start to talk about , and come up with , some strong recommendations about what action the government must take , with clear measures and clear timelines put in place .
`` I believe they are letting down the BAME community .
They had an opportunity to actually come forward with proper proposals and to address the inequalities and they failed to do that . ''
But , many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the PHE review are angry after their findings did not feature in the final publication .
The Muslim Council of Britain ( MCB ) sent a 15-page document with their own recommendations on what should be done to tackle the issue and help protect lives in the future .
Miqdaad Versi , assistant secretary general of MCB , said : `` It 's very disappointing when many organisations , including the Muslim Council of Britain , put significant effort into trying to support the government in finding the best solutions and recommendations that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of structural inequality that are there in our society , and that 's entirely disregarded . ''
He cautiously welcomed the inquiry , claiming the organisation has not yet investigated the Conservative Party for Islamophobia , something the MCB has been calling for .
A government spokesman said : `` The Equalities Hub will be continuing the work started by Public Health England on disparities in the risks and outcomes of COVID-19 .
`` This will develop our understanding and shape our ongoing response to coronavirus .
`` The government is committed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country .
This will be a hugely important part of the economic and social recovery from the pandemic . ''

An inquiry is being launched by the human rights watchdog to address racial inequalities highlighted by the coronavirus pandemic.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has announced it will carry out the inquiry after Public Health England (PHE) published a review into the disparities within ethnic minorities from COVID-19.
The initial review, commissioned by the government, left many with "widespread concerns" and "doesn't go wider to address inequalities that exist", the chairman of the EHRC said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:02 BAME people more likely to die from COVID-19
After accounting for the effect of sex, age, deprivation and region, the PHE review found people of Bangladeshi ethnicity are about twice as likely to die from coronavirus than white British people.
Those of Chinese, Indian, Pakistani, other Asian, Caribbean and other black ethnicity have between a 10% and 50% higher risk of dying from COVID-19 compared with white British people.
In-depth analysis from the commission will deliver evidence-based recommendations for urgent action to tackle racial and social inequalities, which they believe has led to the disproportionately high number of black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) deaths during the pandemic.
Differences in opportunities across England, Scotland and Wales will also be looked into.
EHRC chairman, David Isaac, told Sky News: "I'm keen that a number of things happen and the voices of BAME communities are heard.
"We need to learn the lessons quickly in relation to the data that exists and the vulnerabilities. Whether it's in relation to education, the health sector or the work place.
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"We need to take equalities into account as a top table issue as we address these matters long term. We cannot afford to take risks with people's lives and equality is essential to building better lives."
Image: British-Pakistani nurse Areema Nasreen worked as a hospital cleaner for 15 years before becoming a medic
He criticised the government's review for saying "what we were expecting it would tell us" but not expanding on that.
"We're concerned that the equality issues are taken into account and respond to the issues and understand them better and come up with long term, coherent responses to address the inequalities that exist," he added.
"There have been calls for many people now to tackle this issue and I believe now is the best moment in a generation to proceed with these responses.
"We need to take this call for action very seriously."
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps highlighted how equalities minister Kemi Badenoch would now be taking forward the PHE report in order to make recommendations.
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Highlighting the novelty of the coronavirus pandemic, he told Sky News: "Three months ago we wouldn't have been having these conversations about COVID-19.
"Tha facts had to be established and the PHE report laid those facts out.
"Indeed it is the case that this is something that has disproportionately affected those communities, those minority communities.
"So it's absolutely right Kemi is going to take this forward and make actual recommendations.
"But let's not pretend there's some sort of magic solution to these things, we've got to find out why it's happening first, which the report started to do."
Ms Badenoch admitted the government report "hasn't gone far enough" but said "this is one of the best countries in the world to be a black person".
She said: "There was more I was hoping to see from this review, but Public Health England couldn't collect the data for morbidities, occupation and underlying health conditions.
"We were not able to make recommendations because this data wasn't possible to collect."
Shadow equalities secretary Marsha De Cordova welcomed the EHRC inquiry, but was still concerned no recommendations and policy had been made following the PHE review.
She told Sky News: "What I'm hoping this inquiry will do, is actually begin to start to talk about, and come up with, some strong recommendations about what action the government must take, with clear measures and clear timelines put in place.
"I believe they are letting down the BAME community. They had an opportunity to actually come forward with proper proposals and to address the inequalities and they failed to do that."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:13 'Black lives matter' - health secretary on COVID report
But, many organisations who submitted their own analysis to the PHE review are angry after their findings did not feature in the final publication.
The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) sent a 15-page document with their own recommendations on what should be done to tackle the issue and help protect lives in the future.
Miqdaad Versi, assistant secretary general of MCB, said: "It's very disappointing when many organisations, including the Muslim Council of Britain, put significant effort into trying to support the government in finding the best solutions and recommendations that can help our country tackle these problems of structural inequality that are there in our society, and that's entirely disregarded."
He cautiously welcomed the inquiry, claiming the organisation has not yet investigated the Conservative Party for Islamophobia, something the MCB has been calling for.
A government spokesman said: "The Equalities Hub will be continuing the work started by Public Health England on disparities in the risks and outcomes of COVID-19.
"This will develop our understanding and shape our ongoing response to coronavirus.
"The government is committed to levelling up and spreading opportunity around this country. This will be a hugely important part of the economic and social recovery from the pandemic."


skynewspolitics--2020-06-05--COVID-19 R value 'rising' to 'around 1 in North West and South West' of England

The R value - a key measure of how much coronavirus is spreading - is around the crucial figure of one in the North West and South West of England , according to new estimates .
Public Health England ( PHE ) on Friday gave a regional breakdown of the COVID-19 transmission number , or R value .
Their estimates , calculated in conjunction with Cambridge University 's MRC Biostatistics Unit , showed it was `` probable '' the R value was below one in all regions of England , with the exception of the North West and South West @ @ @ @ @ @ @ median R value was estimated to be over one .
And they said that , although in the South West it is `` around '' one , `` the numbers of new infections occurring in the region on a daily basis is relatively low '' .
It comes as the number of people with coronavirus who have died in the UK passed 40,000 , according to Department of Health and Social Care figures .
In the 24 hours up to 5pm on Thursday , another 357 deaths were reported , taking the total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister Boris Johnson has made keeping the R value below one a critical measure when considering whether to ease the UK 's lockdown .
And Health Secretary Matt Hancock admitted cases were higher in the two regions in question , saying local lockdowns could be introduced if there were flare-ups in the number of infections in certain areas .
But he told the Downing Street briefing that the government 's scientific advisory group ( SAGE ) still believed the R number was below one across the country .
`` You 're right that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the South West and in the North West , the advice from SAGE is that R is below one in all regions , '' he said .
`` However , we want to increasingly have an approach in tackling local lockdowns where we spot a flare-up .
`` We 've been doing this over the last few weeks , for instance there was a flare-up in Weston-super-Mare which we successfully got under control . ''
If the R value is one , then it means each infected person will on average pass coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is above one , it means the number of COVID-19 cases will increase exponentially .
However , if it is below one , the disease will eventually peter out as not enough new people are being infected to sustain the outbreak .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The PHE/Cambridge study said there was `` some evidence '' that the R value `` has risen in all regions '' of England , which they added was `` probably due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in public and workplace settings '' after lockdown measures were eased .
The R number is only one part of ministers ' consideration when it comes to easing lockdown measures .
The number of new cases is also crucial and it is the interaction between the two that matters most .
An update from the Office for National Statistics ' Infection Survey has suggested there are now around 6,000 new infections in England each day .
However , the Cambridge study estimated that , across England , the number of new daily infections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the number of deaths each day likely to fall to between 100-250 by the middle of this month .
`` There is evidence , from the forecast of deaths for the whole of England , that the increases in the regional reproductive numbers may result in the decline in the national death rate being arrested by mid-June , '' the study added .
Dr Yvonne Doyle , PHE medical director , said : `` Our estimates show that the regional R numbers have increased although they remain below one for most of England @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we gradually move out of lockdown .
`` It is vital that everyone continues with social distancing , practising good hand hygiene and must remain at home and order a test if they have symptoms . ''
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham said the R value estimates were `` very worrying '' .
`` It appears , I would say , that lockdown has been relaxed too early , given the fact that 'track , test and trace ' is some way from being up and running , '' he told the Manchester @ @ @ @ @ @ @ begs the question as to whether the advice is right to people in the North West . ''
Latest data from the ONS antibody surveillance study showed 6 % of people have had the infection since the start of the epidemic , with 16 % in London and around 10 % in the North West of England .
New estimates of the R number carried out for the government 's SAGE advisory committee showed it remains at between 0.7 and 0.9 for the whole UK , below the key threshold of one .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ chief scientific adviser , said : `` The latest R-value calculation is between 0.7 and 0.9 for the UK as a whole , it may be a little bit higher in England it may be between 0.7 and 1 , and there is a bit of regional variation . ''
He said there could be `` some places '' where the R-value is very close to one .

The R number - a key measure of how much coronavirus is spreading - is around the crucial figure of one in the North West and South West of England, according to new estimates.
Public Health England (PHE) on Friday gave a regional breakdown of the COVID-19 transmission rate, or R number.
Their estimates, calculated in conjunction with Cambridge University's MRC Biostatistics Unit, showed it was "probable" the R value was below one in all regions of England, with the exception of the North West and South West.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:46 Health secretary Matt Hancock talks about the higher R number in the South West and North West of England.
In the North West, the median R value was estimated to be over one.
And they said that, although in the South West it is "around" one, "the numbers of new infections occurring in the region on a daily basis is relatively low".
It comes as the number of people with coronavirus who have died in the UK passed 40,000, according to Department of Health and Social Care figures.
In the 24 hours up to 5pm on Thursday, another 357 deaths were reported, taking the total in all settings to 40,261.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has made keeping the R value below one a critical measure when considering whether to ease the UK's lockdown.
And Health Secretary Matt Hancock admitted cases were higher in the two regions in question, saying local lockdowns could be introduced if there were flare-ups in the number of infections in certain areas.
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But he told the Downing Street briefing that the government's scientific advisory group (SAGE) still believed the R number was below one across the country.
"You're right that the R is closer to one in the South West and in the North West, the advice from SAGE is that R is below one in all regions," he said.
"However, we want to increasingly have an approach in tackling local lockdowns where we spot a flare-up.
"We've been doing this over the last few weeks, for instance there was a flare-up in Weston-super-Mare which we successfully got under control."
If the R value is one, then it means each infected person will on average pass coronavirus on to one other.
If it is above one, it means the number of COVID-19 cases will increase exponentially.
However, if it is below one, the disease will eventually peter out as not enough new people are being infected to sustain the outbreak.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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The PHE/Cambridge study said there was "some evidence" that the R value "has risen in all regions" of England, which they added was "probably due to increasing mobility and mixing between households and in public and workplace settings" after lockdown measures were eased.
The R number is only one part of ministers' consideration when it comes to easing lockdown measures.
The number of new cases is also crucial and it is the interaction between the two that matters most.
An update from the Office for National Statistics' Infection Survey has suggested there are now around 6,000 new infections in England each day.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:13 COVID-19 death figures analysis
However, the Cambridge study estimated that, across England, the number of new daily infections could be closer to 17,000, with the number of deaths each day likely to fall to between 100-250 by the middle of this month.
"There is evidence, from the forecast of deaths for the whole of England, that the increases in the regional reproductive numbers may result in the decline in the national death rate being arrested by mid-June," the study added.
Dr Yvonne Doyle, PHE medical director, said: "Our estimates show that the regional R numbers have increased although they remain below one for most of England - this is to be expected as we gradually move out of lockdown.
"It is vital that everyone continues with social distancing, practising good hand hygiene and must remain at home and order a test if they have symptoms."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 7:16 After the Pandemic: Life and Society
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham said the R value estimates were "very worrying".
"It appears, I would say, that lockdown has been relaxed too early, given the fact that 'track, test and trace' is some way from being up and running," he told the Manchester Evening News.
"I think it begs the question as to whether the advice is right to people in the North West."
Latest data from the ONS antibody surveillance study showed 6% of people have had the infection since the start of the epidemic, with 16% in London and around 10% in the North West of England.
New estimates of the R number carried out for the government's SAGE advisory committee showed it remains at between 0.7 and 0.9 for the whole UK, below the key threshold of one.
Sir Patrick Vallance, the government's chief scientific adviser, said: "The latest R-value calculation is between 0.7 and 0.9 for the UK as a whole, it may be a little bit higher in England it may be between 0.7 and 1, and there is a bit of regional variation."
He said there could be "some places" where the R-value is very close to one.


skynewspolitics--2020-06-05--'Even darkness must pass': Ireland to reopen shops and people can have visitors in their homes

Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said all shops will reopen and people will be allowed visitors in their homes as he accelerated plans to move the country out of lockdown .
Mr Varadkar told the country that `` all darkness must pass '' as the Irish government approved plans to move to phase two of its roadmap to reopen the economy .
From next week , people will be allowed to travel anywhere within their own county on non-essential journeys , and groups of up to six people can meet indoors or outdoors .
Under the fast-tracked plans , Ireland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to four phases .
Some of the key features of phase two , starting on Monday , include : • The travel limit , initially supposed to be 20km , extended to anywhere within a person 's county ( or within 20km ) • All retailers allowed to open , subject to physical distancing measures and staggered opening hours • Groups of up to six people allowed to meet together , indoors or outdoors as long as they keep at least two metres apart • Groups of up to 15 will be able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Cocooners '' ( the over-70s or medically vulnerable ) can welcome a small number of visitors into their home , with distancing • Shops will also have dedicated hours for `` cocooners '' to visit Shopping centres will be allowed to open a week later , on 15 June , as long as shoppers are not allowed to congregate in common areas like benches , food courts and fountains .
Phase three will begin on 29 June , when hotels , restaurants and B & Bs will be able to reopen .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Pubs that have restaurant licenses will be allowed to open , but with table service only .
Also from that date , galleries and museums can reopen .
Ireland is confident it can relax its tight restrictions - and its citizens will be relieved The Irish people have been living under one of the most restrictive lockdowns in Europe .
According to experts at Oxford University , which measured the response of 160 countries , Ireland 's restrictions have been among the tightest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK 's .
So the government 's decision today to dramatically fast-track its recovery roadmap will be greeted with relief by many people here , who can look forward to significant new freedoms from Monday .
So what led Leo Varadkar to make this move ?
Months of tough restrictions have seen the R ( reproductive rate ) reduced to somewhere between 0.4 and 0.7 by the restrictions , and more importantly , the National Public Health Emergency Team has said the first three week period of easing of restrictions has not seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the public health experts , and subsequently the government , the confidence not only to push ahead with phase two , but to speed up the rest of the plan .
As always , the relaxing of these restrictions comes with ominous caveats from the instinctively cautious scientists .
Closer attention than ever will be paid to the reams of public health data in the coming weeks , and the government will reserve its right to reintroduce certain restrictions if there 's even a hint of the dreaded second wave of infections , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a scale not seen since mid-March .
But it 's also important to remember that even from Monday , the Irish will still live under many restrictions .
Fellow Europeans in countries like France , Germany and even Italy can get their hair cut , send their children to school , enjoy a restaurant meal or a glass of wine in a local bar .
The Irish can not …for several more weeks at least .

Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said all shops will reopen and people will be allowed visitors in their homes as he accelerated plans to move the country out of lockdown.
Mr Varadkar told the country that "all darkness must pass" as the Irish government approved plans to move to phase two of its roadmap to reopen the economy.
From next week, people will be allowed to travel anywhere within their own county on non-essential journeys, and groups of up to six people can meet indoors or outdoors.
Image: Leo Varadkar announced the changes
Under the fast-tracked plans, Ireland's five-phase lockdown easing is now reduced to four phases.
Some of the key features of phase two, starting on Monday, include:
The travel limit, initially supposed to be 20km, extended to anywhere within a person's county (or within 20km)
All retailers allowed to open, subject to physical distancing measures and staggered opening hours
Groups of up to six people allowed to meet together, indoors or outdoors as long as they keep at least two metres apart
Groups of up to 15 will be able to meet for outdoor sporting activities
"Cocooners" (the over-70s or medically vulnerable) can welcome a small number of visitors into their home, with distancing
Shops will also have dedicated hours for "cocooners" to visit
Children's playgrounds and summer camps permitted
Shopping centres will be allowed to open a week later, on 15 June, as long as shoppers are not allowed to congregate in common areas like benches, food courts and fountains.
Phase three will begin on 29 June, when hotels, restaurants and B&Bs will be able to reopen.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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Pubs that have restaurant licenses will be allowed to open, but with table service only. Also from that date, galleries and museums can reopen.
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Ireland is confident it can relax its tight restrictions - and its citizens will be relieved
The Irish people have been living under one of the most restrictive lockdowns in Europe.
According to experts at Oxford University, which measured the response of 160 countries, Ireland's restrictions have been among the tightest in Europe, significantly tougher than the UK's.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 7:16 After the Pandemic: Life and Society
So the government's decision today to dramatically fast-track its recovery roadmap will be greeted with relief by many people here, who can look forward to significant new freedoms from Monday.
So what led Leo Varadkar to make this move?
Months of tough restrictions have seen the R (reproductive rate) reduced to somewhere between 0.4 and 0.7 by the restrictions, and more importantly, the National Public Health Emergency Team has said the first three week period of easing of restrictions has not seen that R number increase.
This gave the public health experts, and subsequently the government, the confidence not only to push ahead with phase two, but to speed up the rest of the plan.
Image: A sign for social distancing on Portmarnock Beach, Dublin
As always, the relaxing of these restrictions comes with ominous caveats from the instinctively cautious scientists.
Closer attention than ever will be paid to the reams of public health data in the coming weeks, and the government will reserve its right to reintroduce certain restrictions if there's even a hint of the dreaded second wave of infections, as its citizens travel and socialise on a scale not seen since mid-March.
But it's also important to remember that even from Monday, the Irish will still live under many restrictions.
Fellow Europeans in countries like France, Germany and even Italy can get their hair cut, send their children to school, enjoy a restaurant meal or a glass of wine in a local bar.
The Irish cannot…for several more weeks at least.


skynewspolitics--2020-06-05--Violence against police 'detracted' from Black Lives Matter message

Violence and abuse against police has `` detracted '' from the message of the Black Lives Matter protests , London mayor Sadiq Khan has told Sky News .
Demonstrations over the killing of George Floyd have spread from America to the UK in recent days , with thousands gathering in central London on Wednesday .
That protest saw scuffles between police and demonstrators , with at least one officer being punched in clashes .
Journalists were also seen fleeing from protesters as they attempted to report on the demonstrations .
As well as urging people attending future protests to abide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk of spreading coronavirus , Mr Khan told Sky News there can be `` no excuse '' for abuse or violence against police .
`` The vast , vast majority of those protesting did so peacefully , lawfully and safely , '' the London mayor said .
`` A very small minority acted in a way that is unacceptable - they were abusive and violent towards our police officers .
`` There can be no excuse for doing so .
`` All they 've done is , not only injure our police officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they 've detracted from what is a really important issue : Black Lives Matter .
`` George Floyd 's awful brutal death is what we should be talking about and addressing the racism , the discrimination and the inequalities black people face in my city , in our country and around the world .
`` It 's really important nobody 's under any mistaken impression that it is acceptable to be abusive or violent towards police officers or even journalists . ''
Mr Khan said he found it `` objectionable '' that `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a camera person '' .
Mr Floyd , a 46-year-old black American , died after a white policeman knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes in Minneapolis , Minnesota , on 25 May .
The London mayor described Mr Floyd 's death as `` brutal '' and called for Britons not to be `` not lulled into a false sense of complacency '' that such an incident could only happen in America .
`` In 2020 , it is still the case that in the most progressive city in the world , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a black Londoner , your life chances and even your life expectancy are less than many other ethnic groups , '' Mr Khan said .
He added : `` When you speak to a black person , most black people will tell you that one of the things that went through their mind when they saw the brutal killing of George Floyd is 'but for the grace of God that could have been me , my dad , my brother , my son , my cousin ' . ''
The London mayor , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , also issued a warning to those planning to attend protests this weekend amid the continuing COVID-19 crisis .
`` You may go and inadvertently - by being too close to somebody else - either pass the virus on or catch the virus , '' he said .
`` How would you feel if you then went home and gave it to an elder relative in your home who , ultimately , lost his or her life ? ''
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urged demonstrators to keep two metres apart , wear face coverings and wash their hands regularly or carry hand sanitiser .
He also called for Mr Floyd 's death and the coronavirus pandemic - which has been found to disproportionately affect Black , Asian and ethnic minority ( BAME ) people - to be a `` catalyst for meaningful change to address the structural inequalities '' in London , the UK and the rest of the world .

Violence and abuse against police has "detracted" from the message of the Black Lives Matter protests, London mayor Sadiq Khan has told Sky News.
Demonstrations over the killing of George Floyd have spread from America to the UK in recent days, with thousands gathering in central London on Wednesday.
That protest saw scuffles between police and demonstrators, with at least one officer being punched in clashes.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:13 Scuffles break out at London protest
Journalists were also seen fleeing from protesters as they attempted to report on the demonstrations.
As well as urging people attending future protests to abide by social distancing rules due to the risk of spreading coronavirus, Mr Khan told Sky News there can be "no excuse" for abuse or violence against police.
"The vast, vast majority of those protesting did so peacefully, lawfully and safely," the London mayor said.
"A very small minority acted in a way that is unacceptable - they were abusive and violent towards our police officers.
"There can be no excuse for doing so.
"All they've done is, not only injure our police officers and been abusive towards them, but they've detracted from what is a really important issue: Black Lives Matter.
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"George Floyd's awful brutal death is what we should be talking about and addressing the racism, the discrimination and the inequalities black people face in my city, in our country and around the world.
"It's really important nobody's under any mistaken impression that it is acceptable to be abusive or violent towards police officers or even journalists."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:58 Thousands protest in solidarity with BLM
Mr Khan said he found it "objectionable" that "somebody would turn on a journalist or a camera person".
Mr Floyd, a 46-year-old black American, died after a white policeman knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on 25 May.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:37 'If you protest please wear a mask'
The London mayor described Mr Floyd's death as "brutal" and called for Britons not to be "not lulled into a false sense of complacency" that such an incident could only happen in America.
"In 2020, it is still the case that in the most progressive city in the world, London, that if you're born a black Londoner, your life chances and even your life expectancy are less than many other ethnic groups," Mr Khan said.
He added: "When you speak to a black person, most black people will tell you that one of the things that went through their mind when they saw the brutal killing of George Floyd is 'but for the grace of God that could have been me, my dad, my brother, my son, my cousin'."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:10 'White people essential to ending racism'
The London mayor, who will not be attending demonstrations himself, also issued a warning to those planning to attend protests this weekend amid the continuing COVID-19 crisis.
"You may go and inadvertently - by being too close to somebody else - either pass the virus on or catch the virus," he said.
"How would you feel if you then went home and gave it to an elder relative in your home who, ultimately, lost his or her life?"
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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Mr Khan urged demonstrators to keep two metres apart, wear face coverings and wash their hands regularly or carry hand sanitiser.
He also called for Mr Floyd's death and the coronavirus pandemic - which has been found to disproportionately affect Black, Asian and ethnic minority (BAME) people - to be a "catalyst for meaningful change to address the structural inequalities" in London, the UK and the rest of the world.


skynewspolitics--2020-06-06--Tory pick for London mayor contradicts government to back protests

Breaking up protests over the death of George Floyd to maintain social distancing guidance risk `` bottling up '' tension that may lead to violence , London mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey has said .
Thousands of Black Lives Matter activists have gathered in the capital this week to demonstrate , and many are expected to defy pleas from Health Secretary Matt Hancock with more mass gatherings across the weekend .
Speaking at Friday 's Downing Street coronavirus briefing , Mr Hancock said that while he was `` appalled '' about the death of Mr Floyd , people should avoid large @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social distancing .
But Shaun Bailey , the Conservatives ' choice to take on Sadiq Khan in next year 's delayed London mayoral election , has said stopping people from demonstrating would only `` store up trouble for the summer '' .
`` If we do not allow this tension to be answered , if it is bottled up , then it will just spill out into the summer and be very tough for the police , '' the Tory hopeful told Sky News .
`` So in some sense , they absolutely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must be done with social distancing and must be done as safely as possible .
`` People must wear masks - and if you have already been on a protest , please think of it as having already had your go and stay away , and let people express themselves so we can move past this point .
`` This is a very , very tough situation for us all , but there are a few things we all have to take into account .
`` If this very real tension and fear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ release , we 'll be storing up trouble for summer . ''
Mr Hancock used Friday 's news briefing to reiterate government rules that only groups of up to six can meet outdoors , and that everyone must observe social distancing of two metres .
Pressed on whether he was contradicting that advice , Mr Bailey said : `` Let 's be clear - if you are protesting , then you 're taking a risk with your own health and your community 's health .
`` Nobody 's saying this is simple or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but there has to be some way of releasing this pressure in the community .
`` People want to get this issue out there and talked about . ''
He added : `` Although we live in a much better situation ( than in the US ) from a race-relations point of view , it is still not perfect and people have grievances . ''
The demonstrations that have already taken part in London this week have been largely peaceful , only marred by scuffles outside Downing Street .
Among those to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wars actor John Boyega , who spoke out over high-profile cases of violence against black people in the US and the UK during a passionate address in Hyde Park .
The death of Mr Floyd while in custody was the latest incident to highlight the issue of police brutality against black people in America , and it sparked protests across the US and in other countries around the world .
Mr Floyd , 46 , died after white officer Derek Chauvin pinned him to the ground knelt on his neck for more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Minnesota , on 25 May .
Chauvin has since been sacked and charged with second-degree murder , while other officers present have also been fired and are now facing charges .

Breaking up protests over the death of George Floyd to maintain social distancing guidance risk "bottling up" tension that may lead to violence, London mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey has said.
Thousands of Black Lives Matter activists have gathered in the capital this week to demonstrate, and many are expected to defy pleas from Health Secretary Matt Hancock with more mass gatherings across the weekend.
Speaking at Friday's Downing Street coronavirus briefing, Mr Hancock said that while he was "appalled" about the death of Mr Floyd, people should avoid large protests so that they can adhere to social distancing.
But Shaun Bailey, the Conservatives' choice to take on Sadiq Khan in next year's delayed London mayoral election, has said stopping people from demonstrating would only "store up trouble for the summer".
Image: Protesters and police officers in Whitehall earlier this week
"If we do not allow this tension to be answered, if it is bottled up, then it will just spill out into the summer and be very tough for the police," the Tory hopeful told Sky News.
"So in some sense, they absolutely need to go ahead, but it must be done with social distancing and must be done as safely as possible.
"People must wear masks - and if you have already been on a protest, please think of it as having already had your go and stay away, and let people express themselves so we can move past this point.
"This is a very, very tough situation for us all, but there are a few things we all have to take into account.
"If this very real tension and fear is not allowed a pressure valve to release, we'll be storing up trouble for summer."
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:09 Black Lives Matter: In their own words
Mr Hancock used Friday's news briefing to reiterate government rules that only groups of up to six can meet outdoors, and that everyone must observe social distancing of two metres.
Pressed on whether he was contradicting that advice, Mr Bailey said: "Let's be clear - if you are protesting, then you're taking a risk with your own health and your community's health.
"Nobody's saying this is simple or desirable from a health point of view, but there has to be some way of releasing this pressure in the community.
"People want to get this issue out there and talked about."
He added: "Although we live in a much better situation (than in the US) from a race-relations point of view, it is still not perfect and people have grievances."
Image: Hundreds of Black Lives Matter protesters marching at Trafalgar Square
Image: Protestors take a knee in front of police vans in Parliament Square
The demonstrations that have already taken part in London this week have been largely peaceful, only marred by scuffles outside Downing Street.
Among those to take part in the protests was Star Wars actor John Boyega, who spoke out over high-profile cases of violence against black people in the US and the UK during a passionate address in Hyde Park.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:41 Boyega's impassioned Hyde Park speech
The death of Mr Floyd while in custody was the latest incident to highlight the issue of police brutality against black people in America, and it sparked protests across the US and in other countries around the world.
Mr Floyd, 46, died after white officer Derek Chauvin pinned him to the ground knelt on his neck for more than eight minutes during an arrest in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on 25 May.
Chauvin has since been sacked and charged with second-degree murder, while other officers present have also been fired and are now facing charges.


skynewspolitics--2020-06-05--COVID-19 R number 'rising' to 'around 1 in North West and South West' of England

The R number - a key measure of how much coronavirus is spreading - is around the crucial figure of one in the North West and South West of England , according to new estimates .
Public Health England ( PHE ) on Friday gave a regional breakdown of the COVID-19 transmission rate , or R number .
Their estimates , calculated in conjunction with Cambridge University 's MRC Biostatistics Unit , showed it was `` probable '' the R value was below one in all regions of England , with the exception of the North West and South West @ @ @ @ @ @ @ median R value was estimated to be over one .
And they said that , although in the South West it is `` around '' one , `` the numbers of new infections occurring in the region on a daily basis is relatively low '' .
It comes as the number of people with coronavirus who have died in the UK passed 40,000 , according to Department of Health and Social Care figures .
In the 24 hours up to 5pm on Thursday , another 357 deaths were reported , taking the total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister Boris Johnson has made keeping the R value below one a critical measure when considering whether to ease the UK 's lockdown .
And Health Secretary Matt Hancock admitted cases were higher in the two regions in question , saying local lockdowns could be introduced if there were flare-ups in the number of infections in certain areas .
But he told the Downing Street briefing that the government 's scientific advisory group ( SAGE ) still believed the R number was below one across the country .
`` You 're right that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the South West and in the North West , the advice from SAGE is that R is below one in all regions , '' he said .
`` However , we want to increasingly have an approach in tackling local lockdowns where we spot a flare-up .
`` We 've been doing this over the last few weeks , for instance there was a flare-up in Weston-super-Mare which we successfully got under control . ''
If the R value is one , then it means each infected person will on average pass coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is above one , it means the number of COVID-19 cases will increase exponentially .
However , if it is below one , the disease will eventually peter out as not enough new people are being infected to sustain the outbreak .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The PHE/Cambridge study said there was `` some evidence '' that the R value `` has risen in all regions '' of England , which they added was `` probably due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in public and workplace settings '' after lockdown measures were eased .
The R number is only one part of ministers ' consideration when it comes to easing lockdown measures .
The number of new cases is also crucial and it is the interaction between the two that matters most .
An update from the Office for National Statistics ' Infection Survey has suggested there are now around 6,000 new infections in England each day .
However , the Cambridge study estimated that , across England , the number of new daily infections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the number of deaths each day likely to fall to between 100-250 by the middle of this month .
`` There is evidence , from the forecast of deaths for the whole of England , that the increases in the regional reproductive numbers may result in the decline in the national death rate being arrested by mid-June , '' the study added .
Dr Yvonne Doyle , PHE medical director , said : `` Our estimates show that the regional R numbers have increased although they remain below one for most of England @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we gradually move out of lockdown .
`` It is vital that everyone continues with social distancing , practising good hand hygiene and must remain at home and order a test if they have symptoms . ''
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham said the R value estimates were `` very worrying '' .
`` It appears , I would say , that lockdown has been relaxed too early , given the fact that 'track , test and trace ' is some way from being up and running , '' he told the Manchester @ @ @ @ @ @ @ begs the question as to whether the advice is right to people in the North West . ''
Latest data from the ONS antibody surveillance study showed 6 % of people have had the infection since the start of the epidemic , with 16 % in London and around 10 % in the North West of England .
New estimates of the R number carried out for the government 's SAGE advisory committee showed it remains at between 0.7 and 0.9 for the whole UK , below the key threshold of one .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ chief scientific adviser , said : `` The latest R-value calculation is between 0.7 and 0.9 for the UK as a whole , it may be a little bit higher in England it may be between 0.7 and 1 , and there is a bit of regional variation . ''
He said there could be `` some places '' where the R-value is very close to one .


skynewspolitics--2020-06-06--Labour accuses government of covering up recommendations to protect BAME people

Labour 's shadow health secretary has accused the government of `` covering up vital recommendations '' that could help protect black , Asian and minority ethnic ( BAME ) people from COVID-19 .
Jonathan Ashworth 's criticisms come after Whitehall sources told Sky News the recommendations from a Public Health England ( PHE ) review were `` held back '' by the government , adding `` ministers have had this element of the report '' .
On Tuesday , the government issued the data element of the long awaited review , led by PHE national director for health and wellbeing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sources it was set to be delayed because of the Black Lives Matter movement .
Data collected by PHE was published - but a `` qualitative assessment '' , including the recommendations for the government , was not .
The published review found people from BAME groups were up to twice as likely to die with COVID-19 than those from a white British background , but there were no recommendations on actions that could be taken to protect BAME lives .
Sources say the second half of the report contains work which looks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ structural racism '' within the UK and has information from 4,000 stakeholders and organisations .
Mr Ashworth told Sky News : `` We know BAME people are more likely to die from COVID and more likely to fall seriously ill with COVID .
This report needs to be published in full .
`` Covering up vital recommendations is completely unacceptable .
Action must be taken to protect those disproportionately at risk from this horrific virus . ''
PHE did not deny that a `` qualitative assessment '' with recommendations for the government was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It said : `` Professor Fenton led PHE 's work on COVID-19 and BAME communities , engaging with a significant number of individuals and organisations within the BAME community over the past couple of months , to hear their views , concerns and ideas about the impact of the virus on their communities . ''
However , a Department of Health and Social Care spokesman denied that only part of the report had been published .
`` On Tuesday PHE published the rapid data review .
The report was published in full , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insight that Professor Fenton and PHE colleagues gathered will inform the important work that equalities minister Kemi Badenoch will now take forward . ''
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The equalities minister admitted in the Commons on Thursday there were `` gaps '' in the report .
`` The report is welcomed , but it has n't gone far enough and we will take it where it needs to get to , '' Ms Badenoch said .
Responding to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` There was more I was hoping to see from this review . ''
But , she said PHE could not collect data for morbidities , occupation and underlying health conditions so could not make recommendations .

Labour's shadow health secretary has accused the government of "covering up vital recommendations" that could help protect black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) people from COVID-19.
Jonathan Ashworth's criticisms come after Whitehall sources told Sky News the recommendations from a Public Health England (PHE) review were "held back" by the government, adding "ministers have had this element of the report".
On Tuesday, the government issued the data element of the long awaited review, led by PHE national director for health and wellbeing Professor Kevin Fenton, following suggestions from sources it was set to be delayed because of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Image: British Pakistani nurse Areema Nasreen was one of the first medics to die with COVID-19
Data collected by PHE was published - but a "qualitative assessment", including the recommendations for the government, was not.
The published review found people from BAME groups were up to twice as likely to die with COVID-19 than those from a white British background, but there were no recommendations on actions that could be taken to protect BAME lives.
Sources say the second half of the report contains work which looks at "social inequality" and "structural racism" within the UK and has information from 4,000 stakeholders and organisations.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:13 COVID-19 death figures analysis
Mr Ashworth told Sky News: "We know BAME people are more likely to die from COVID and more likely to fall seriously ill with COVID. This report needs to be published in full.
"Covering up vital recommendations is completely unacceptable. Action must be taken to protect those disproportionately at risk from this horrific virus."
PHE did not deny that a "qualitative assessment" with recommendations for the government was issued as part of the findings.
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Image: Labour's Jonathan Ashworth says the government has failed to publish recommendations to protect BAME people
It said: "Professor Fenton led PHE's work on COVID-19 and BAME communities, engaging with a significant number of individuals and organisations within the BAME community over the past couple of months, to hear their views, concerns and ideas about the impact of the virus on their communities."
However, a Department of Health and Social Care spokesman denied that only part of the report had been published.
"On Tuesday PHE published the rapid data review. The report was published in full," they said.
"The valuable insight that Professor Fenton and PHE colleagues gathered will inform the important work that equalities minister Kemi Badenoch will now take forward."
:: Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The equalities minister admitted in the Commons on Thursday there were "gaps" in the report.
"The report is welcomed, but it hasn't gone far enough and we will take it where it needs to get to," Ms Badenoch said.
Responding to questions from MPs, she added: "There was more I was hoping to see from this review."
But, she said PHE could not collect data for morbidities, occupation and underlying health conditions so could not make recommendations.


skynewspolitics--2020-06-06--Government accused of blindsiding hospitals with new face mask rules

The government has been accused of placing hospitals in an `` incredibly challenging situation '' by failing to consult NHS trusts on new rules requiring outpatients , visitors and staff to wear face coverings .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock strengthened the government 's masks policy at Friday 's coronavirus briefing , announcing the changes will come into force on 15 June .
Although hospitals have more than a week to prepare , Saffron Cordery , deputy chief executive of NHS Providers , condemned the government for not consulting with trusts beforehand .
She told Sky News : `` What they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure that more than 800,000 staff are able to access type-one or type-two masks on a daily basis , without any time really to put that in place and without any sense that we know the supply of masks will actually be there .
`` The government has done another one of its 'announce it before actually consulting with those who are affected ' .
`` That 's really difficult when you are a hospital chief executive working on the front line , and do n't know week-on-week what announcements are going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She added : `` I think that they 've been put in an incredibly challenging situation . ''
Demand for face masks has increased in recent weeks , as advice on whether the public should wear them changes .
The government long suggested that they serve little use in stopping the transmission of COVID-19 , but they are now mandatory on public transport and encouraged in situations where social distancing is not possible .
Ms Cordery said it would be a `` major logistical challenge '' for hospitals to ensure they have enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demands .
`` They 're going to have to negotiate with their logistical teams , the national supply chain that ensures PPE ( personal protective equipment ) gets to the front line , and make sure staff know how to use the masks .
`` It 's quite a big ask .
Hospital trusts are in the middle of a major operational crisis - dealing with the pandemic , which is still a major challenge , and trying to restart usual operations and procedures across the NHS .
`` Easing visiting restrictions is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients , staff and the public safe , social distancing has to be in place . ''
Ms Cordery also raised concerns about the `` longer-term '' supply of masks and other PPE , which has remained in high demand across the world .
She called on the government to offer `` complete transparency '' about stock , saying : `` Every hospital trust can then be clear on whether it can get its hands on what it needs . ''
The British Medical Association echoed Ms Cordery 's criticism , warning there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the new policy would be implemented , where the masks would come from , or how outpatients and visitors would receive them .
Consultants committee chair Dr Rob Harwood said : `` Given the lack of PPE supplies throughout the pandemic , it is absolutely crucial that the government ensures there are enough supplies of face masks for staff , and adequate provision of face coverings for outpatients and the public by the 15 June . ''
The Department of Health and Social Care said `` further guidance for hospitals will be published @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stocks and plans in place , and the guidance will be kept under review . ''
The government has not been alone in changing tack on face coverings , with the World Health Organisation also recommending they be used where social distancing is not possible .
The health body had previously said there was no evidence face masks worked , but now says new observations suggest they can help cut transmission of the virus .
It stresses hand washing , social distancing and other measures remain important .

The government has been accused of placing hospitals in an "incredibly challenging situation" by failing to consult NHS trusts on new rules requiring outpatients, visitors and staff to wear face coverings.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock strengthened the government's masks policy at Friday's coronavirus briefing, announcing the changes will come into force on 15 June.
Although hospitals have more than a week to prepare, Saffron Cordery, deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, condemned the government for not consulting with trusts beforehand.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 10:32 'All people in hospitals to wear coverings'
She told Sky News: "What they have been asked to do is make sure that more than 800,000 staff are able to access type-one or type-two masks on a daily basis, without any time really to put that in place and without any sense that we know the supply of masks will actually be there.
"The government has done another one of its 'announce it before actually consulting with those who are affected'.
"That's really difficult when you are a hospital chief executive working on the front line, and don't know week-on-week what announcements are going to come out from the government."
She added: "I think that they've been put in an incredibly challenging situation."
Demand for face masks has increased in recent weeks, as advice on whether the public should wear them changes.
The government long suggested that they serve little use in stopping the transmission of COVID-19, but they are now mandatory on public transport and encouraged in situations where social distancing is not possible.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:57 Face coverings to be compulsory on public transport
Ms Cordery said it would be a "major logistical challenge" for hospitals to ensure they have enough supply to meet the government's new demands.
"They're going to have to negotiate with their logistical teams, the national supply chain that ensures PPE (personal protective equipment) gets to the front line, and make sure staff know how to use the masks.
"It's quite a big ask. Hospital trusts are in the middle of a major operational crisis - dealing with the pandemic, which is still a major challenge, and trying to restart usual operations and procedures across the NHS.
"Easing visiting restrictions is another major logistical challenge - to keep patients, staff and the public safe, social distancing has to be in place."
Ms Cordery also raised concerns about the "longer-term" supply of masks and other PPE, which has remained in high demand across the world.
She called on the government to offer "complete transparency" about stock, saying: "Every hospital trust can then be clear on whether it can get its hands on what it needs."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 10:10 Khan welcomes govt u-turn on masks
The British Medical Association echoed Ms Cordery's criticism, warning there was "little detail" on how the new policy would be implemented, where the masks would come from, or how outpatients and visitors would receive them.
Consultants committee chair Dr Rob Harwood said: "Given the lack of PPE supplies throughout the pandemic, it is absolutely crucial that the government ensures there are enough supplies of face masks for staff, and adequate provision of face coverings for outpatients and the public by the 15 June."
The Department of Health and Social Care said "further guidance for hospitals will be published next week to allow hospitals to get stocks and plans in place, and the guidance will be kept under review."
The government has not been alone in changing tack on face coverings, with the World Health Organisation also recommending they be used where social distancing is not possible.
The health body had previously said there was no evidence face masks worked, but now says new observations suggest they can help cut transmission of the virus. It stresses hand washing, social distancing and other measures remain important.