skynewspolitics--2020-02-15--Javid reveals daughter left advice for a future PM on hidden note

Sajid Javid has posted an emotional farewell on Twitter after quitting as chancellor and revealed his 10-year-old daughter left behind some advice for a future prime minister .
Mr Javid , whose sensational resignation on Thursday plunged Boris Johnson 's cabinet reshuffle into turmoil , disclosed that youngest daughter Maya left a note hidden in bookshelves .
The note , left at the chancellor 's grace and favour retreat Dorneywood in Buckinghamshire , ends `` Advice for Prime Minister '' followed by an arrow pointing over the page .
But sadly - so far , at least - Mr Javid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the note , written on official Dorneywood stationery , to Mr Johnson or any future prime minister .
Mr Javid resigned after being ordered by the PM in a Downing Street showdown to sack all his Treasury advisers .
He refused , saying no `` self-respecting minister would accept such conditions '' .
In a series of tweets posted 48 hours after he quit , Mr Javid said : `` So happy to spend some more time with my family this weekend .
I have to admit we 'll miss Dorneywood though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us to relax and work from some weekends , and the staff were lovely . ''
Then he revealed : `` There is a one small legacy there for my successors to find .
The National Trust did a regular audit of all the historic items a few weeks ago and told us they 'd found a note in one of the books .
My youngest daughter shifted guiltily… '' And in a third tweet , accompanied by a photo , he continued : `` Turns out Maya had hidden a letter in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future occupants of Dorneywood . ''
Mr Javid added : `` She eventually showed it to me but did n't want to tell me where it was hidden .
Wherever it is , the National Trust have added it to their records , so it is now officially part of the property forever . ''
In her note , Maya wrote : `` Hello .
My name is Maya Javid , 10 years old .
I am Sajid Javid 's daughter ( the Chancellor in 2019 ) .
If you are reading this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tell the world not only this letter will be famous but you will too . ''
Then comes the `` Advice for Prime Minister '' and Maya 's tantalising arrow pointing overleaf .
The tweets by Mr Javid suggest that despite his attempts to put on a brave face over his abrupt departure from government the sudden loss of his job has hit his family hard .
It is also not the first time Mr Javid has revealed details of a letter from Maya .
Last year , he posted on Twitter a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Tory leadership contest .
A proud Mr Javid tweeted then : `` A long but exciting day just got so much better… came home to this from my 10yr old .
Whatever happens next , I will be happy . ''
In that handwritten note , written before her father was eliminated , Maya wrote : `` I am writing this letter because I am proud of you for doing so well for coming this far to being prime-minister .
`` I love you so much and believe in you and you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you need to become pm is passion , love , confidence and sportsmanship .
That 's all you need .
`` If you do n't come pm me and your lovely family will be proud and be grateful that we have such an amazing dad/husband .
Love you so much ! ''
Mr Javid , a millionaire banker before becoming MP for Bromsgrove , has three other children - Sophia , Suli , Rania - with his wife Laura , his childhood sweetheart who he married in 1997 .
It is not known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week on the No 10 ambush that drove her father to resign as chancellor , or given her view of the PM 's adviser Dominic Cummings , the architect of Mr Javid 's demise .

Sajid Javid has posted an emotional farewell on Twitter after quitting as chancellor and revealed his 10-year-old daughter left behind some advice for a future prime minister.
Mr Javid, whose sensational resignation on Thursday plunged Boris Johnson's cabinet reshuffle into turmoil, disclosed that youngest daughter Maya left a note hidden in bookshelves.
The note, left at the chancellor's grace and favour retreat Dorneywood in Buckinghamshire, ends "Advice for Prime Minister" followed by an arrow pointing over the page.
But sadly - so far, at least - Mr Javid has not disclosed what advice Maya offered on the note, written on official Dorneywood stationery, to Mr Johnson or any future prime minister.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:11 Sajid Javid: I had 'no option' but to quit
Mr Javid resigned after being ordered by the PM in a Downing Street showdown to sack all his Treasury advisers. He refused, saying no "self-respecting minister would accept such conditions".
In a series of tweets posted 48 hours after he quit, Mr Javid said: "So happy to spend some more time with my family this weekend. I have to admit we'll miss Dorneywood though - it was a wonderful place for us to relax and work from some weekends, and the staff were lovely."
Then he revealed: "There is a one small legacy there for my successors to find. The National Trust did a regular audit of all the historic items a few weeks ago and told us they'd found a note in one of the books. My youngest daughter shifted guiltily…"
And in a third tweet, accompanied by a photo, he continued: "Turns out Maya had hidden a letter in one of the old bookshelves for lucky future occupants of Dorneywood."
Mr Javid added: "She eventually showed it to me but didn't want to tell me where it was hidden. Wherever it is, the National Trust have added it to their records, so it is now officially part of the property forever."
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In her note, Maya wrote: "Hello. My name is Maya Javid, 10 years old. I am Sajid Javid's daughter (the Chancellor in 2019). If you are reading this letter then please find a way to tell the world not only this letter will be famous but you will too."
Then comes the "Advice for Prime Minister" and Maya's tantalising arrow pointing overleaf.
The tweets by Mr Javid suggest that despite his attempts to put on a brave face over his abrupt departure from government the sudden loss of his job has hit his family hard.
It is also not the first time Mr Javid has revealed details of a letter from Maya. Last year, he posted on Twitter a touching note she wrote to him during the Tory leadership contest.
A proud Mr Javid tweeted then: "A long but exciting day just got so much better… came home to this from my 10yr old. Whatever happens next, I will be happy."
In that handwritten note, written before her father was eliminated, Maya wrote: "I am writing this letter because I am proud of you for doing so well for coming this far to being prime-minister.
"I love you so much and believe in you and you have to believe in yourself too all you need to become pm is passion, love, confidence and sportsmanship. That's all you need.
"If you don't come pm me and your lovely family will be proud and be grateful that we have such an amazing dad/husband. Love you so much!"
Image: Sajid Javid quit as Boris Johnson's chancellor on Thursday
Mr Javid, a millionaire banker before becoming MP for Bromsgrove, has three other children - Sophia, Suli, Rania - with his wife Laura, his childhood sweetheart who he married in 1997.
It is not known if Maya has written a note this week on the No 10 ambush that drove her father to resign as chancellor, or given her view of the PM's adviser Dominic Cummings, the architect of Mr Javid's demise.


skynewspolitics--2020-02-15--China foreign minister says Huawei 'won't do back door deals' on security

China 's foreign minister has said Huawei is a `` trustworthy '' company , after senior Conservatives called on the government to rule out working with the telecommunications giant .
Wang Yi also said the Chinese firm has pledged `` not to do back door deals '' after six Conservative MPs , including four cabinet ministers , signed a letter raising concerns about the governments ' decision to allow Huawei a role in building the UK 's 5G Network .
In the letter sent earlier this week , Sir Iain Duncan Smith , Owen Paterson , David Davis and Damian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be ruled out now , or phased out over time .
The Chinese foreign minister told Sky News on Saturday : `` Huawei is a private company .
`` It should be treated equally , the same way as any other company .
`` And Huawei has pledged to sign no back door deal with any government organisation .
`` I have n't seen any other telecommunications company making that promise .
`` Because Huawei are trustworthy enough . ''
Tobias Ellwood , the new chairman of the Defence Select Committee , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier this week .
He has suggested there are many unanswered questions about the Chinese firm .
Mr Ellwood said : `` We do n't know the extent to which Huawei is obliged to provide information to the Chinese authorities , by law they have to do so .
`` We do n't know the connections between the intelligence services and Huawei , and it is n't just Huawei , it 's China Telecom , it 's Tencent , Alibaba - all these companies are obliged to have a very different relationship to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of China , than we have over here . ''
The letter come as US Vice President Mike Pence suggested the decision by Boris Johnson to allow Huawei a limited role in 5G roll-out could jeopardise a post-Brexit trade deal between Britain and America .
Pressed on whether the Huawei decision could be a deal breaker in Brexit trade talks , Mr Pence told CNBC : `` We 'll see .
We 'll see if it is . ''
His remarks follow claims US President Donald Trump had vented `` apoplectic '' rage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heated phone conversation with him about the 5G move .

China's foreign minister has said Huawei is a "trustworthy" company, after senior Conservatives called on the government to rule out working with the telecommunications giant.
Wang Yi also said the Chinese firm has pledged "not to do back door deals" after six Conservative MPs, including four cabinet ministers, signed a letter raising concerns about the governments' decision to allow Huawei a role in building the UK's 5G Network.
In the letter sent earlier this week, Sir Iain Duncan Smith, Owen Paterson, David Davis and Damian Green called for "high-risk" vendors to be ruled out now, or phased out over time.
The Chinese foreign minister told Sky News on Saturday: "Huawei is a private company.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:50 Could Huawei threaten UK security?
"It should be treated equally, the same way as any other company.
"And Huawei has pledged to sign no back door deal with any government organisation.
"I haven't seen any other telecommunications company making that promise.
"Because Huawei are trustworthy enough."
Tobias Ellwood, the new chairman of the Defence Select Committee, also signed the letter to the government earlier this week.
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He has suggested there are many unanswered questions about the Chinese firm.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:19 Explained: Why 5G and Huawei matter
Mr Ellwood said: "We don't know the extent to which Huawei is obliged to provide information to the Chinese authorities, by law they have to do so.
"We don't know the connections between the intelligence services and Huawei, and it isn't just Huawei, it's China Telecom, it's Tencent, Alibaba - all these companies are obliged to have a very different relationship to the state, to the Communist Party of China, than we have over here."
Image: Sir Iain Duncan Smith is one of the men who signed the letter
The letter come as US Vice President Mike Pence suggested the decision by Boris Johnson to allow Huawei a limited role in 5G roll-out could jeopardise a post-Brexit trade deal between Britain and America.
Pressed on whether the Huawei decision could be a deal breaker in Brexit trade talks, Mr Pence told CNBC: "We'll see. We'll see if it is."
His remarks follow claims US President Donald Trump had vented "apoplectic" rage at the prime minister during a recent heated phone conversation with him about the 5G move.


skynewspolitics--2020-02-14--Chinese firm says it can build HS2 in five years and at much lower cost

A Chinese railway company could be about to take over construction of the troubled HS2 rail link .
The British government is in talks with the China Railway Construction Corporation , which has said it can build the line in just five years at a much lower cost .
In a letter reported in Building Magazine but seen by the Financial Times , CRCC wrote to HS2 Ltd 's chief executive saying : `` We are certain that we can offer a cost that is significantly lower than the projections we have seen .
: : Listen to the Daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Spotify , Spreaker '' The advantages are too great , in our opinion , too great to dismiss on the basis that there are obstacles to overcome .
`` You will find that the Chinese way is to seek solutions , not linger on obstacles and difficulties . ''
The Department for Transport confirmed to Sky News that the two sides had been in `` preliminary discussions on opportunities but no concrete commitments have been made '' .
`` The DfT is always keen to learn from the experience of others and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money to the taxpayer , '' a spokesperson said .
The Chinese company has built most of the country 's 15,500-mile high-speed network but dealing with property rights , lobby groups and protected landscapes will be a different task .
Last month , Prime Minister Boris Johnson upset many of his own MPs and US President Donald Trump when he announced Chinese tech firm Huawei would be allowed to supply equipment for Britain 's 5G mobile network .
Mr Johnson agreed HS2 should go ahead just days ago , despite a review warning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - far above the budget of £62bn .
He said at the time that the firm handling construction has not `` distinguished itself '' but that `` poor management has not detracted from the fundamental value '' of the plan .
He confirmed work on Phase One - which runs from London Euston to Birmingham - and Phase 2a - an extension to Crewe - would continue `` on something approaching time and budget '' .
Phase 2b - which runs to Manchester and north east to Leeds - will be put under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Northern powerhouse '' rail project .
The line is not due to be completed until 2040 , although Mr Johnson has said he wants to move this forward to 2035 .

A Chinese railway company could be about to take over construction of the troubled HS2 rail link.
The British government is in talks with the China Railway Construction Corporation, which has said it can build the line in just five years at a much lower cost.
In a letter reported in Building Magazine but seen by the Financial Times, CRCC wrote to HS2 Ltd's chief executive saying: "We are certain that we can offer a cost that is significantly lower than the projections we have seen.
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"The advantages are too great, in our opinion, too great to dismiss on the basis that there are obstacles to overcome.
"You will find that the Chinese way is to seek solutions, not linger on obstacles and difficulties."
Image: The China Railway Construction Corporation is also involved in the Lagos-Ibadan railway in Nigeria
The Department for Transport confirmed to Sky News that the two sides had been in "preliminary discussions on opportunities but no concrete commitments have been made".
"The DfT is always keen to learn from the experience of others and to consider approaches that offer value for money to the taxpayer," a spokesperson said.
The Chinese company has built most of the country's 15,500-mile high-speed network but dealing with property rights, lobby groups and protected landscapes will be a different task.
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Image: HS2 will run from London to the West Midlands and then towards Leeds and Manchester
Last month, Prime Minister Boris Johnson upset many of his own MPs and US President Donald Trump when he announced Chinese tech firm Huawei would be allowed to supply equipment for Britain's 5G mobile network.
Mr Johnson agreed HS2 should go ahead just days ago, despite a review warning that it could cost more than £100bn - far above the budget of £62bn.
He said at the time that the firm handling construction has not "distinguished itself" but that "poor management has not detracted from the fundamental value" of the plan.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:01 HS2: Vanity project or valuable investment?
He confirmed work on Phase One - which runs from London Euston to Birmingham - and Phase 2a - an extension to Crewe - would continue "on something approaching time and budget".
Phase 2b - which runs to Manchester and north east to Leeds - will be put under review and subsumed into the current "Northern powerhouse" rail project.
The line is not due to be completed until 2040, although Mr Johnson has said he wants to move this forward to 2035.


skynewspolitics--2020-02-17--UK and EU will 'rip each other apart' in talks, France predicts

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been warned that he will face a tough battle with the European Union in his efforts to secure a trade deal in the aftermath of Brexit .
France 's foreign minister Jean-Yves le Drian gave the prediction during the Munich Security Conference , as both sides prepare to begin negotiations on the UK 's future relationship with the bloc .
Mr le Drian warned Mr Johnson that Brussels will defend its interests when talks formally open up next month , saying : `` I think that on trade issues and the mechanism for future relations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on , we are going to rip each other apart .
`` But that is part of negotiations , everyone will defend their own interests . ''
The UK 's chief negotiator David Frost is set to make it clear that Mr Johnson will walk away from talks with the EU , unless it drops what he calls its `` ridiculous and unreasonable '' demands .
Mr Frost is said to be travelling to Brussels on Monday to lay down his opening gambit , following a meeting of his 40-strong negotiating team last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close ally of French President Emmanuel Macron , and is one of the latest major European voices to speak out about the tough road ahead for the UK .
Fishing will be high on the agenda during trade talks , and it is believed that Mr Macron wants EU fleets to keep their access to UK waters , in what is set to be a key demand in the negotiations .
However , Mr Johnson has said that the UK will take control of its fishing waters , acting as a `` independent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ period is over .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The EU has sent repeated warnings to the UK ahead of talks , saying it should not expect to be able to carry enjoying `` high quality '' market access if it demands on moving away from the bloc 's existing social and environmental standards .
The new European Commission president , Ursula von der Leyen , told the European Parliament this week that Mr Johnson would have to accept a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and standards .

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been warned that he will face a tough battle with the European Union in his efforts to secure a trade deal in the aftermath of Brexit.
France's foreign minister Jean-Yves le Drian gave the prediction during the Munich Security Conference, as both sides prepare to begin negotiations on the UK's future relationship with the bloc.
Mr le Drian warned Mr Johnson that Brussels will defend its interests when talks formally open up next month, saying: "I think that on trade issues and the mechanism for future relations, which we are going to start on, we are going to rip each other apart.
"But that is part of negotiations, everyone will defend their own interests."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:43 Now the UK is out of the EU, what next?
The UK's chief negotiator David Frost is set to make it clear that Mr Johnson will walk away from talks with the EU, unless it drops what he calls its "ridiculous and unreasonable" demands.
Mr Frost is said to be travelling to Brussels on Monday to lay down his opening gambit, following a meeting of his 40-strong negotiating team last week.
Mr le Drian is a close ally of French President Emmanuel Macron, and is one of the latest major European voices to speak out about the tough road ahead for the UK.
Fishing will be high on the agenda during trade talks, and it is believed that Mr Macron wants EU fleets to keep their access to UK waters, in what is set to be a key demand in the negotiations.
However, Mr Johnson has said that the UK will take control of its fishing waters, acting as a "independent coastal state" once the Brexit transition period is over.
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The EU has sent repeated warnings to the UK ahead of talks, saying it should not expect to be able to carry enjoying "high quality" market access if it demands on moving away from the bloc's existing social and environmental standards.
The new European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, told the European Parliament this week that Mr Johnson would have to accept a "level playing field" on rules and standards.


skynewspolitics--2020-02-17--No 10 adviser quits after controversial comments revealed

Downing Street adviser Andrew Sabisky has resigned after a string of his controversial remarks were uncovered .
Number 10 was already facing calls to sack him over previous comments on eugenics , mind-enhancing drugs for children , FGM and women 's sport , but stayed silent .
Tory backbenchers demanded that he be dropped after it was also revealed he said MPs should pay attention to the `` debate '' around `` very real racial differences in intelligence '' .
Mr Sabisky - who was hired in Prime Minister Boris Johnson 's special adviser Dominic Cummings ' appeal for `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quit on Monday night .
`` The media hysteria about my old stuff online is mad but I wanted to help HMG [ Her Majesty 's Government ] not be a distraction , '' the 27-year-old tweeted .
`` Accordingly I 've decided to resign as a contractor .
`` I hope No.10 hires more ppl w/ good geopolitical forecasting track records & that media learn to stop selective quoting . ''
He also claimed to be `` in the middle of a giant character assassination '' .
One of the posts that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beneath a blog in January 2014 made by a user named `` Andrew Sabisky '' and using the same avatar as his Twitter account .
`` There are excellent reasons to think the very real racial differences in intelligence are significantly - even mostly - genetic in origin , though the degree is of course a very serious subject of scholarly debate , '' it said .
Downing Street was criticised for refusing to say whether or not Mr Johnson agreed with Mr Sabisky 's views , prompting fury from some Conservatives .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ must be no place in government for the views he 's expressed '' .
Select committee chair William Wagg declared `` there is no way to defend it '' and added : `` I can not be the only one uncomfortable with recent Number 10 trends . ''
One Tory staffer told Sky News after the resignation was confirmed : `` I 'm glad it 's happened but he should never have been hired in the first place .
Two days of bad headlines for nothing . ''
Ian Lavery MP , chair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sabvisky should `` never have been appointed in the first place '' .
He added : `` After Number 10 publicly stood by him today , Boris Johnson has serious questions to answer about how this appointment was made and whether he agrees with his vile views . ''
• `` There are excellent reasons to think the very real racial differences in intelligence are significantly - even mostly - genetic in origin , though the degree is of course a very serious subject of scholarly debate . ''
Online comment from January @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get around the problems of unplanned pregnancies creating a permanent underclass would be to legally enforce universal uptake of long-term contraception at the onset of puberty '' A comment on Dominic Cummings ' blog from August 2014 .
• `` From a societal perspective the benefits of giving everyone modafinil once a week are probably worth a dead kid once a year . ''
A Schools Week interview in July 2016 .
• `` Eugenics are about selecting 'for ' good things ... Intelligence is largely inherited and it correlates with better outcomes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mental illness .
There is no downside to having IQ except short-sightedness . ''
The same Schools Week interview , July 2016 .
• `` Will institutionalized power-sharing ( as in Northern Ireland ) become the norm in the West - not between Catholic and Protestant , but between Muslim and non-Muslim ( by around 2050 Britain is forecast to be a majority Islamic nation on current birthrate trends ) ? ''
As part of a book review from February 2014 .
• `` ... you will see a far greater percentage of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ IQs 75 or below , at which point we are close to the typical boundary for mild mental retardation . ''
An online comment from January 2014 .
• `` It is still unclear to what extent FGM represents a serious risk to young girls , raised in the UK , of certain minority group origins .
Much of the hue and cry looks more like a moral panic . ''
An online comment from July 2014 .
• `` Individual differences in intelligence and academic outcomes are largely a result of genes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ published online .
• `` I am always straight up in saying that women 's sport is more comparable to the Paralympics than it is to men 's '' A Twitter post from May last year .

Downing Street adviser Andrew Sabisky has resigned after a string of his controversial remarks were uncovered.
Number 10 was already facing calls to sack him over previous comments on eugenics, mind-enhancing drugs for children, FGM and women's sport, but stayed silent.
Tory backbenchers demanded that he be dropped after it was also revealed he said MPs should pay attention to the "debate" around "very real racial differences in intelligence".
Image: Dominc Cummings hired him as part of a drive to recruit 'misfits and weirdos'
Mr Sabisky - who was hired in Prime Minister Boris Johnson's special adviser Dominic Cummings' appeal for "misfits and weirdos" - confirmed he quit on Monday night.
"The media hysteria about my old stuff online is mad but I wanted to help HMG [Her Majesty's Government] not be a distraction," the 27-year-old tweeted.
"Accordingly I've decided to resign as a contractor.
"I hope No.10 hires more ppl w/ good geopolitical forecasting track records & that media learn to stop selective quoting."
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He also claimed to be "in the middle of a giant character assassination".
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One of the posts that came under scrutiny was a comment posted beneath a blog in January 2014 made by a user named "Andrew Sabisky" and using the same avatar as his Twitter account.
"There are excellent reasons to think the very real racial differences in intelligence are significantly - even mostly - genetic in origin, though the degree is of course a very serious subject of scholarly debate," it said.
Image: Boris Johnson's spokesman refused to say what he made of the remarks
Downing Street was criticised for refusing to say whether or not Mr Johnson agreed with Mr Sabisky's views, prompting fury from some Conservatives.
Former minister Caroline Nokes said there "must be no place in government for the views he's expressed".
Select committee chair William Wagg declared "there is no way to defend it" and added: "I cannot be the only one uncomfortable with recent Number 10 trends."
One Tory staffer told Sky News after the resignation was confirmed: "I'm glad it's happened but he should never have been hired in the first place. Two days of bad headlines for nothing."
Ian Lavery MP, chair of the Labour Party, said Mr Sabvisky should "never have been appointed in the first place".
He added: "After Number 10 publicly stood by him today, Boris Johnson has serious questions to answer about how this appointment was made and whether he agrees with his vile views."
Questions are also being asked by Labour MP Stephen Doughty of the cabinet secretary - Whitehall's top civil servant - about what vetting Mr Sabisky faced before being hired and whether Mr Cummings was complying with rules governing the conduct of special advisers.
Pregnancies, drugs, Muslims and FGM - Andrew Sabisky's alleged past comments:


skynewspolitics--2020-02-17--Signing up to EU standards 'would defeat purpose of Brexit'

Britain will not sign up to follow EU standards because it would defeat the point of Brexit , the UK 's chief negotiator has said .
David Frost laid down his red lines in a rare public speech ahead of formal negotiations with Brussels on a trade deal due to kick off next month .
He said the UK has to be free to set its own regulations on labour rights , the environment and state aid because those are the `` fundamentals of what it means to be an independent country '' .
Thinking the UK will sign up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to create a so-called `` level playing field '' to ensure smoother trade between borders `` fails to see the point of what we are doing '' , he added .
Speaking at Universite Libre de Bruxelles on Monday , Mr Frost insisted : `` It is n't a simple negotiating position which might move under pressure - it is the point of the whole project . ''
He also repeated Prime Minister Boris Johnson 's pledge not to extend the Brexit transition period .
That is the 11-month window from 31 January @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK is still part of the single market and customs union while a trade deal can be hammered out .
Brussels thinks the time frame is too short for a full free trade agreement , and French foreign minister Jean-Yves le Drian has already predicted that `` we are going to rip each other apart '' .
`` That is part of negotiations , everyone will defend their own interests , '' the close ally of President Emmanuel Macron predicted at the Munich Security Conference .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spotify , Spreaker The EU has repeatedly warned Britain can not expect to enjoy continued `` high-quality '' market access if it insists on diverging from EU social and environmental standards .
There is expected to be a particularly tough fight over fishing rights , with Brussels insisting continued access to UK waters must form part of any agreement .
MP Stewart Hosie , the Scottish National Party 's trade spokesperson , said Mr Frost 's intervnetion was `` a worrying sign of the direction the Tory government is intent on dragging Scotland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rather than working to maintain the high standards in place in the EU , the Tories ' insistence on diverging on rules risks a race to the bottom in standards that will hit our businesses and vital industries , '' he warned .

Britain will not sign up to follow EU standards because it would defeat the point of Brexit, the UK's chief negotiator has said.
David Frost laid down his red lines in a rare public speech ahead of formal negotiations with Brussels on a trade deal due to kick off next month.
He said the UK has to be free to set its own regulations on labour rights, the environment and state aid because those are the "fundamentals of what it means to be an independent country".
Image: David Frost is the UK's chief Brexit negotiator
Thinking the UK will sign up up to being bound by EU rules to create a so-called "level playing field" to ensure smoother trade between borders "fails to see the point of what we are doing", he added.
Speaking at Universite Libre de Bruxelles on Monday, Mr Frost insisted: "It isn't a simple negotiating position which might move under pressure - it is the point of the whole project."
He also repeated Prime Minister Boris Johnson's pledge not to extend the Brexit transition period.
That is the 11-month window from 31 January until the end of 2020 where the UK is still part of the single market and customs union while a trade deal can be hammered out.
Brussels thinks the time frame is too short for a full free trade agreement, and French foreign minister Jean-Yves le Drian has already predicted that "we are going to rip each other apart".
"That is part of negotiations, everyone will defend their own interests," the close ally of President Emmanuel Macron predicted at the Munich Security Conference.
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The EU has repeatedly warned Britain cannot expect to enjoy continued "high-quality" market access if it insists on diverging from EU social and environmental standards.
There is expected to be a particularly tough fight over fishing rights, with Brussels insisting continued access to UK waters must form part of any agreement.
MP Stewart Hosie, the Scottish National Party's trade spokesperson, said Mr Frost's intervnetion was "a worrying sign of the direction the Tory government is intent on dragging Scotland and the UK down".
"Rather than working to maintain the high standards in place in the EU, the Tories' insistence on diverging on rules risks a race to the bottom in standards that will hit our businesses and vital industries," he warned.


skynewspolitics--2020-02-17--Absent PM criticised as govt insists flood defences are working

Environment Secretary George Eustice has insisted flood defences are working as he defended the prime minister 's absence from affected areas .
As Storm Dennis lashed the country with 90mph winds and drenched some places with more than a month 's worth of rain in 48 hours , major incidents due to flooding were declared in South Wales , Worcestershire , Herefordshire and Shropshire .
As of 11am on Monday , more than 500 flood alerts and warnings covered much of England , stretching from the North West to the South West .
Boris Johnson was not expected to visit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meeting of the government 's emergency committee COBRA has not been called .
This is despite the prime minister holding such meetings in response to severe flooding in Yorkshire and the East Midlands in November , during the general election campaign .
Mr Johnson was heckled during a visit to south Yorkshire in November , six days after the region was struck by major flooding .
Downing Street said the prime minister was being updated about events as he worked from Chevening , the country retreat usually used by the foreign secretary , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eustice , who was appointed to his role during last week 's cabinet reshuffle , defended Mr Johnson 's absence from affected areas .
He told Sky News ' Kay Burley @ Breakfast : `` When I was appointed by the prime minister , one of the first things he mentioned was the floods .
`` We discussed Storm Dennis , that it was coming through .
I am leading on this .
`` I 'm in the cabinet , I was up there yesterday in Yorkshire .
I 've been in regular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stressing the government has a `` firm grip '' on the flooding , Mr Eustice added : `` It 's a very difficult situation , with widespread flood alerts , but our flood defences are working as intended . ''
Asked again why Mr Johnson had not yet been to see the impact of the flooding first-hand , Mr Eustice said : `` Because I went up there yesterday on his behalf .
He has been to these areas before , I 'm sure he will again . ''
He highlighted the Conservatives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £4bn over the next five years on flood defences , with £2.5bn having been spent in the last five years .
`` In these recent flood events nearly 20,000 properties have been protected , '' Mr Eustice said .
`` But I know that 's no consolation at all to the 400 that have been affected .
`` It is the case , when you have these events , you 'll never be able to protect every single property .
`` But the investments we 've made mean we are able to protect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` There 's a longer-term approach to how we manage floods .
`` We 're going to be doing lots more work in terms of managing catchments upstream , so using natural floodplains , nature-based solutions that can actually slow the waterflow . ''
Labour 's shadow environment secretary Luke Pollard described Mr Johnson 's absence from flooding areas and the failure to convene COBRA as a `` disgrace '' .
He said : `` The prime minister was slow enough to act during the general election , but now he is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ missing in action . ''

Environment Secretary George Eustice has insisted flood defences are working as he defended the prime minister's absence from affected areas.
As Storm Dennis lashed the country with 90mph winds and drenched some places with more than a month's worth of rain in 48 hours, major incidents due to flooding were declared in South Wales, Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Shropshire.
As of 11am on Monday, more than 500 flood alerts and warnings covered much of England, stretching from the North West to the South West.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:25 Cars swept away by severe flooding in Wales
Boris Johnson was not expected to visit flood-hit areas on Monday, while a meeting of the government's emergency committee COBRA has not been called.
This is despite the prime minister holding such meetings in response to severe flooding in Yorkshire and the East Midlands in November, during the general election campaign.
Mr Johnson was heckled during a visit to south Yorkshire in November, six days after the region was struck by major flooding.
Downing Street said the prime minister was being updated about events as he worked from Chevening, the country retreat usually used by the foreign secretary, during parliament's one-week break.
Mr Eustice, who was appointed to his role during last week's cabinet reshuffle, defended Mr Johnson's absence from affected areas.
He told Sky News' Kay Burley@Breakfast: "When I was appointed by the prime minister, one of the first things he mentioned was the floods.
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"We discussed Storm Dennis, that it was coming through. I am leading on this.
"I'm in the cabinet, I was up there yesterday in Yorkshire. I've been in regular contact with officials on this."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:46 November - 'Not happy about talking to you': Angry woman snubs PM
Stressing the government has a "firm grip" on the flooding, Mr Eustice added: "It's a very difficult situation, with widespread flood alerts, but our flood defences are working as intended."
Asked again why Mr Johnson had not yet been to see the impact of the flooding first-hand, Mr Eustice said: "Because I went up there yesterday on his behalf. He has been to these areas before, I'm sure he will again."
He highlighted the Conservatives' manifesto commitment to increase to spend £4bn over the next five years on flood defences, with £2.5bn having been spent in the last five years.
"In these recent flood events nearly 20,000 properties have been protected," Mr Eustice said.
"But I know that's no consolation at all to the 400 that have been affected.
"It is the case, when you have these events, you'll never be able to protect every single property.
"But the investments we've made mean we are able to protect a significant number."
He added: "There's a longer-term approach to how we manage floods.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:09 'Mum was very stressed'
"We're going to be doing lots more work in terms of managing catchments upstream, so using natural floodplains, nature-based solutions that can actually slow the waterflow."
Labour's shadow environment secretary Luke Pollard described Mr Johnson's absence from flooding areas and the failure to convene COBRA as a "disgrace".
He said: "The prime minister was slow enough to act during the general election, but now he is not campaigning for votes he is completely missing in action."


skynewspolitics--2020-02-17--Labour MP with Kashmir role barred entry into India

A Labour MP has been denied entry to India after arriving at a New Delhi airport .
Debbie Abrahams revealed she was told `` no , no , no '' by immigration officials on arrival in the country on Monday morning .
The Oldham East and Saddleworth MP told Sky News she had `` no idea '' why she was blocked from entering India .
She had been planning to stay with relatives and visit friends during parliament 's one-week break .
Ms Abrahams chairs the all-party parliamentary group on Kashmir and has been an outspoken critic of the Indian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ status last August .
Kashmir is claimed by both India and Pakistan and the countries have fought two wars in an attempt to take control .
India 's move was seen as an attempt to tighten its control on the disputed region .
Ms Abrahams landed in New Delhi around 8.50am and subsequently presented the visa she had been issued last October , which she was told would be valid for 12 months .
`` The immigration officer looked at his screen and started shaking his head and saying 'no , no , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News ' All Out Politics .
`` Then he said the visa had been rejected , took my passport , went off to consult with others , kept us waiting for about ten minutes and then said : 'No , you are being denied entry ' . ''
Ms Abrahams described how she was then told `` come with me '' in a `` quite aggressive '' way , before being taken to an area marked as a `` deportee cell '' .
She refused to sit down , despite being asked , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure , not knowing what on Earth was going to happen , that people could see me and recognise something was awry . ''
The British high commission have been in contact with Ms Abrahams , with the MP describing their efforts as `` very good '' .
But , she added : `` I have no idea and still have no idea what the grounds for denying me entry are . ''
Ms Abrahams said she had no plans to visit Kashmir during her `` private visit '' to India , although @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Pakistani capital Islamabad to discuss the issue .
She later told the Daily Mirror she had been `` physically marched '' on to a flight to Dubai after having been `` deported '' from India without her passport being returned .
A Foreign Office spokesperson said : `` We are in contact with the Indian authorities , and Lord Ahmad has spoken with the Indian High Commissioner to understand why Deborah Abrahams MP was denied entry to India .
`` We provided consular assistance to her whilst she was in New Delhi @ @ @

A Labour MP has been denied entry to India after arriving at a New Delhi airport.
Debbie Abrahams revealed she was told "no, no, no" by immigration officials on arrival in the country on Monday morning.
The Oldham East and Saddleworth MP told Sky News she had "no idea" why she was blocked from entering India.
She had been planning to stay with relatives and visit friends during parliament's one-week break.
Ms Abrahams chairs the all-party parliamentary group on Kashmir and has been an outspoken critic of the Indian government stripping the region of its special status last August.
Kashmir is claimed by both India and Pakistan and the countries have fought two wars in an attempt to take control.
India's move was seen as an attempt to tighten its control on the disputed region.
Ms Abrahams landed in New Delhi around 8.50am and subsequently presented the visa she had been issued last October, which she was told would be valid for 12 months.
"The immigration officer looked at his screen and started shaking his head and saying 'no, no, no'," she told Sky News' All Out Politics.
"Then he said the visa had been rejected, took my passport, went off to consult with others, kept us waiting for about ten minutes and then said: 'No, you are being denied entry'."
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Ms Abrahams described how she was then told "come with me" in a "quite aggressive" way, before being taken to an area marked as a "deportee cell".
She refused to sit down, despite being asked, adding: "I wanted to make sure, not knowing what on Earth was going to happen, that people could see me and recognise something was awry."
The British high commission have been in contact with Ms Abrahams, with the MP describing their efforts as "very good".
But, she added: "I have no idea and still have no idea what the grounds for denying me entry are."
Ms Abrahams said she had no plans to visit Kashmir during her "private visit" to India, although she had been planning to journey on to Pakistani capital Islamabad to discuss the issue.
She later told the Daily Mirror she had been "physically marched" on to a flight to Dubai after having been "deported" from India without her passport being returned.
A Foreign Office spokesperson said: "We are in contact with the Indian authorities, and Lord Ahmad has spoken with the Indian High Commissioner to understand why Deborah Abrahams MP was denied entry to India.
"We provided consular assistance to her whilst she was in New Delhi Airport."


skynewspolitics--2020-02-18--PM and estranged wife reach financial agreement

Boris Johnson and his estranged wife Marina Wheeler have reached a financial settlement , a family court judge has been told .
At a 10-minute private hearing at London 's Central Family Court on Tuesday , Ms Wheeler was given the go-ahead by Judge Sarah Gibbons to apply for a divorce decree .
This would bring her marriage to the prime minister to an end .
She was given permission to apply for the decree absolute `` out of time '' , with applications usually having to be made within 12 months of the granting of an initial divorce decree @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Johnson and Ms Wheeler , both 55 , announced they were divorcing in 2018 following 25 years of marriage .
They said at the time : `` As friends we will continue to support our four children in the years ahead . ''
Neither Mr Johnson or Ms Wheeler - a human rights barrister - were present at Tuesday 's hearing , where Judge Gibbons was told they had reached an agreement relating to the division of money .
The prime minister was represented by Neil Russell , of Seddons , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The case number showed that Mr Johnson and Ms Wheeler had been involved in a dispute relating to money or assets .
The court paperwork also showed Ms Wheeler had begun litigation and was named as the `` petitioner '' and `` applicant '' , while Mr Johnson was named as the `` respondent '' .
The public was barred from attending the hearing , while reporters were told not to identify any child or give detail of financial information .
Mr Johnson 's girlfriend , Carrie Symonds , 31 , moved into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the couple have since adopted a dog , Dilyn .
The Jack Russell-cross has been a regular feature of Ms Symonds 's social media posts .
Before becoming prime minister , Mr Johnson had been staying at Ms Symonds 's south London home .
Ms Symonds was previously the Conservative Party 's head of communications .
She left the role in 2018 to work in public relations for Oceana - a project that protects sea life .
Mr Johnson met his first wife , Allegra Mostyn-Owen , while they were students at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The marriage was annulled in 1993 and he wed Ms Wheeler later that year .
In 2004 , Mr Johnson was sacked as shadow arts minister by then Conservative Party leader Michael Howard following a reported affair with journalist Petronella Wyatt .
In 2013 , when he was London mayor , the Appeal Court ruled the public had a right to know that Mr Johnson had an affair with art consultant Helen Macintyre , who later gave birth to their daughter .

Boris Johnson and his estranged wife Marina Wheeler have reached a financial settlement, a family court judge has been told.
At a 10-minute private hearing at London's Central Family Court on Tuesday, Ms Wheeler was given the go-ahead by Judge Sarah Gibbons to apply for a divorce decree.
This would bring her marriage to the prime minister to an end.
She was given permission to apply for the decree absolute "out of time", with applications usually having to be made within 12 months of the granting of an initial divorce decree, known as a divorce nisi.
Mr Johnson and Ms Wheeler, both 55, announced they were divorcing in 2018 following 25 years of marriage.
They said at the time: "As friends we will continue to support our four children in the years ahead."
Image: The prime minister's girlfriend Carrie Symonds moved to 10 Downing Street with him
Neither Mr Johnson or Ms Wheeler - a human rights barrister - were present at Tuesday's hearing, where Judge Gibbons was told they had reached an agreement relating to the division of money.
The prime minister was represented by Neil Russell, of Seddons, and Ms Wheeler by Lucy Stone QC.
The case number showed that Mr Johnson and Ms Wheeler had been involved in a dispute relating to money or assets.
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The court paperwork also showed Ms Wheeler had begun litigation and was named as the "petitioner" and "applicant", while Mr Johnson was named as the "respondent".
The public was barred from attending the hearing, while reporters were told not to identify any child or give detail of financial information.
Mr Johnson's girlfriend, Carrie Symonds, 31, moved into 10 Downing Street with him last year and the couple have since adopted a dog, Dilyn.
The Jack Russell-cross has been a regular feature of Ms Symonds's social media posts.
Before becoming prime minister, Mr Johnson had been staying at Ms Symonds's south London home.
Ms Symonds was previously the Conservative Party's head of communications.
She left the role in 2018 to work in public relations for Oceana - a project that protects sea life.
Mr Johnson met his first wife, Allegra Mostyn-Owen, while they were students at Oxford University and they married in 1987.
The marriage was annulled in 1993 and he wed Ms Wheeler later that year.
In 2004, Mr Johnson was sacked as shadow arts minister by then Conservative Party leader Michael Howard following a reported affair with journalist Petronella Wyatt.
In 2013, when he was London mayor, the Appeal Court ruled the public had a right to know that Mr Johnson had an affair with art consultant Helen Macintyre, who later gave birth to their daughter.


skynewspolitics--2020-02-18--Budget to remain on 11 March, new chancellor confirms

New Chancellor Rishi Sunak has confirmed the budget will be delivered on 11 March .
It had been speculated the date of the fiscal announcement could be moved following the shock resignation of Mr Sunak 's predecessor Sajid Javid last week .
But , in a tweet , Mr Sunak revealed the budget would be delivered on its original date .
He said : `` Cracking on with preparations for my first budget on 11 March .
`` It will deliver on the promises we made to the British people - levelling up and unleashing the country 's potential .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ following a row with Prime Minister Boris Johnson over his advisers , meant he left the Treasury without ever having delivered a budget .
He said he had `` no option '' but to resign because Mr Johnson attached conditions to him staying in the role which `` no self-respecting minister would accept '' .
The prime minister had demanded the chancellor sack all of his special advisers following turbulence between Number 10 and the Treasury in recent weeks .
In the hours after Mr Javid 's resignation , Downing Street confirmed a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being established in Number 10 and Number 11 to advise Mr Johnson and his new chancellor .
The Times reported on Tuesday that the prime minister and Mr Sunak will meet for detailed budget talks for the first time on Wednesday .
They are considering cutting pension tax relief for higher earners and relaxing spending rules , according to the newspaper .
In the Conservatives ' general election manifesto , the party promised they would stick to a number of fiscal rules in government .
This included not borrowing to fund day-to-day spending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no more than 3 % of GDP , and to reassess spending if debt interest reaches 6 % of revenue .
The Tories also promised that debt would be lower at the end of this parliament , in 2024 .
Mr Javid drew up the rules but - following the Conservatives ' resounding election victory - it has been reported Mr Johnson is looking to tear up the restraints in order to put more cash into social care and the NHS , as well as to boost infrastructure spending .
In his resignation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minister : `` I would urge you to ensure the Treasury as an institution retains as much credibility as possible .
`` The team there has impressed me with the energy and intellect they have brought to delivering the shifts in policy that I have led . ''

New Chancellor Rishi Sunak has confirmed the budget will be delivered on 11 March.
It had been speculated the date of the fiscal announcement could be moved following the shock resignation of Mr Sunak's predecessor Sajid Javid last week.
But, in a tweet, Mr Sunak revealed the budget would be delivered on its original date.
He said: "Cracking on with preparations for my first budget on 11 March.
"It will deliver on the promises we made to the British people - levelling up and unleashing the country's potential."
Mr Javid's surprise departure, following a row with Prime Minister Boris Johnson over his advisers, meant he left the Treasury without ever having delivered a budget.
He said he had "no option" but to resign because Mr Johnson attached conditions to him staying in the role which "no self-respecting minister would accept".
The prime minister had demanded the chancellor sack all of his special advisers following turbulence between Number 10 and the Treasury in recent weeks.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:44 'No self-respecting minister would accept'
In the hours after Mr Javid's resignation, Downing Street confirmed a new joint team of special advisers was being established in Number 10 and Number 11 to advise Mr Johnson and his new chancellor.
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The Times reported on Tuesday that the prime minister and Mr Sunak will meet for detailed budget talks for the first time on Wednesday.
They are considering cutting pension tax relief for higher earners and relaxing spending rules, according to the newspaper.
In the Conservatives' general election manifesto, the party promised they would stick to a number of fiscal rules in government.
This included not borrowing to fund day-to-day spending, ensuring public sector net investment averages no more than 3% of GDP, and to reassess spending if debt interest reaches 6% of revenue.
The Tories also promised that debt would be lower at the end of this parliament, in 2024.
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Mr Javid drew up the rules but - following the Conservatives' resounding election victory - it has been reported Mr Johnson is looking to tear up the restraints in order to put more cash into social care and the NHS, as well as to boost infrastructure spending.
In his resignation letter, Mr Javid told the prime minister: "I would urge you to ensure the Treasury as an institution retains as much credibility as possible.
"The team there has impressed me with the energy and intellect they have brought to delivering the shifts in policy that I have led."


skynewspolitics--2020-02-17--Boris Johnson adviser quits after controversial comments revealed

Downing Street adviser Andrew Sabisky has resigned after a string of his controversial remarks were uncovered .
Number 10 was already facing calls to sack him over previous comments on eugenics , mind-enhancing drugs for children , FGM and women 's sport , but stayed silent .
Tory backbenchers demanded that he be dropped after it was also revealed he said MPs should pay attention to the `` debate '' around `` very real racial differences in intelligence '' .
Mr Sabisky - who was hired in Prime Minister Boris Johnson 's special adviser Dominic Cummings ' appeal for `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quit on Monday night .
`` The media hysteria about my old stuff online is mad but I wanted to help HMG [ Her Majesty 's Government ] not be a distraction , '' the 27-year-old tweeted .
`` Accordingly I 've decided to resign as a contractor .
`` I hope No.10 hires more ppl w/ good geopolitical forecasting track records & that media learn to stop selective quoting . ''
: : Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He also claimed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ giant character assassination '' .
One of the posts that came under scrutiny was a comment posted beneath a blog in January 2014 made by a user named `` Andrew Sabisky '' and using the same avatar as his Twitter account .
`` There are excellent reasons to think the very real racial differences in intelligence are significantly - even mostly - genetic in origin , though the degree is of course a very serious subject of scholarly debate , '' it said .
Downing Street was criticised for refusing to say whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sabisky 's views , prompting fury from some Conservatives .
Former minister Caroline Nokes said there `` must be no place in government for the views he 's expressed '' .
Select committee chair William Wagg declared `` there is no way to defend it '' and added : `` I can not be the only one uncomfortable with recent Number 10 trends . ''
One Tory staffer told Sky News after the resignation was confirmed : `` I 'm glad it 's happened but he should never have been hired in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ headlines for nothing . ''
Ian Lavery MP , chair of the Labour Party , said Mr Sabvisky should `` never have been appointed in the first place '' .
He added : `` After Number 10 publicly stood by him today , Boris Johnson has serious questions to answer about how this appointment was made and whether he agrees with his vile views . ''
• `` There are excellent reasons to think the very real racial differences in intelligence are significantly - even mostly - genetic in origin , though the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subject of scholarly debate . ''
Online comment from January 2014 .
• `` One way to get around the problems of unplanned pregnancies creating a permanent underclass would be to legally enforce universal uptake of long-term contraception at the onset of puberty '' A comment on Dominic Cummings ' blog from August 2014 .
• `` From a societal perspective the benefits of giving everyone modafinil once a week are probably worth a dead kid once a year . ''
A Schools Week interview in July 2016 .
• `` Eugenics are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Intelligence is largely inherited and it correlates with better outcomes : physical health , income , lower mental illness .
There is no downside to having IQ except short-sightedness . ''
The same Schools Week interview , July 2016 .
• `` Will institutionalized power-sharing ( as in Northern Ireland ) become the norm in the West - not between Catholic and Protestant , but between Muslim and non-Muslim ( by around 2050 Britain is forecast to be a majority Islamic nation on current birthrate trends ) ? ''
As part of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` ... you will see a far greater percentage of blacks than whites in the range of IQs 75 or below , at which point we are close to the typical boundary for mild mental retardation . ''
An online comment from January 2014 .
• `` It is still unclear to what extent FGM represents a serious risk to young girls , raised in the UK , of certain minority group origins .
Much of the hue and cry looks more like a moral panic . ''
An online comment from July @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intelligence and academic outcomes are largely a result of genes , not environments . ''
A paper published online .
• `` I am always straight up in saying that women 's sport is more comparable to the Paralympics than it is to men 's '' A Twitter post from May last year .


skynewspolitics--2020-02-17--Labour leadership hopeful would vote to abolish the monarchy

Lisa Nandy has said she would vote to abolish the monarchy in any future referendum on the Royal Family .
The Labour leadership candidate 's stance was at odds with the two other candidates who remain in the running to succeed Jeremy Corbyn : Sir Keir Starmer and Rebecca Long-Bailey .
However , during a live Channel 4 debate , all three politicians said the issue was not a priority .
Asked if he would vote to scrap the monarchy in a Channel 4 News TV debate , shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer said : `` No , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ downsize it . ''
Rebecca Long-Bailey , the shadow business secretary , replied : `` I think we have got more important things to worry about .
I would n't vote to abolish the monarchy . ''
But Ms Nandy responded during the quickfire questions round : `` I 'm a democrat , so I would vote to scrap it .
But this is not the priority of the country . ''
Later on she said `` I 'd quite like to see Queen Meghan '' , after the outgoing Duchess of Sussex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ renounce their royal titles .
When asked about their favourite Labour leader of the last 50 years , Sir Keir named Harold Wilson , while Ms Long-Bailey did not name one .
Ms Nandy went for who she called the leader that never was - for decades the longest-serving female MP , Barbara Castle .
Ballots are being sent out to around 500,000 members for the election to become Labour leader officially starting on Friday 21 February .
The winner will be revealed at a special conference on Saturday 4 April .
Simultaneously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deputy leader to replace Tom Watson , who stood down as an MP at the election .
All of those candidates - Dr Rosena Allin-Khan , Richard Burgon , Ian Murray , Angela Rayner and Dawn Butler - got enough nominations to secure a place on the ballot paper .

Lisa Nandy has said she would vote to abolish the monarchy in any future referendum on the Royal Family.
The Labour leadership candidate's stance was at odds with the two other candidates who remain in the running to succeed Jeremy Corbyn: Sir Keir Starmer and Rebecca Long-Bailey.
However, during a live Channel 4 debate, all three politicians said the issue was not a priority.
Image: Labour's Lisa Nandy said: 'I'm a democrat, so I would vote to scrap it'
Asked if he would vote to scrap the monarchy in a Channel 4 News TV debate, shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer said: "No, I wouldn't. I think I'd downsize it."
Rebecca Long-Bailey, the shadow business secretary, replied: "I think we have got more important things to worry about. I wouldn't vote to abolish the monarchy."
But Ms Nandy responded during the quickfire questions round: "I'm a democrat, so I would vote to scrap it. But this is not the priority of the country."
Later on she said "I'd quite like to see Queen Meghan", after the outgoing Duchess of Sussex and partner Prince Harry revealed plans to renounce their royal titles.
When asked about their favourite Labour leader of the last 50 years, Sir Keir named Harold Wilson, while Ms Long-Bailey did not name one.
Image: Meghan Markle is renouncing her royal title as Duchess of Sussex
Ms Nandy went for who she called the leader that never was - for decades the longest-serving female MP, Barbara Castle.
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Ballots are being sent out to around 500,000 members for the election to become Labour leader officially starting on Friday 21 February.
The winner will be revealed at a special conference on Saturday 4 April.
Simultaneously, members will be voting for a deputy leader to replace Tom Watson, who stood down as an MP at the election.
All of those candidates - Dr Rosena Allin-Khan, Richard Burgon, Ian Murray, Angela Rayner and Dawn Butler - got enough nominations to secure a place on the ballot paper.


skynewspolitics--2020-02-18--Row over Elgin Marbles as EU demands return of stolen cultural objects

A demand for the return of `` unlawfully removed cultural objects '' has been included in the EU 's negotiating mandate for trade talks with the UK - prompting claims Britain will be held to ransom over the Elgin Marbles .
The British Museum has long refused to return the 2,500-year-old artefacts to Greece , which the country says were stolen from them by Lord Elgin in the early 19th century when it was under Ottoman Turkish rule .
However , the museum says the relics , which are roughly half of a 160 metre long frieze which took pride @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5th century , were legally acquired by Elgin , who was said to have made an agreement with the Ottoman leaders .
The EU 's demand for the return of unlawfully removed cultural objects to their countries of origin did not specify any specific items .
However , an EU official said a request for the clause was made by Greece and is supported by Italy , Reuters news agency reports .
Athens has long campaigned for the return of the Marbles and recently announced it would step up its demands once the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ An EU source said the request had support from other EU countries , such as Cyprus and Spain , and that Greece was more concerned about the illegal trade of its relics through British auctions .
A Downing Street spokeswoman said the sculptures would not be discussed during next month 's trade talks .
She said : `` The EU are still finalising their mandate - this is currently in draft .
`` The UK 's position on the Parthenon sculptures remains unchanged - they are legal responsibility of the British Museum .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as part of our trade negotiations . ''
It comes as Michel Barnier , the EU 's chief negotiator , warned the UK could not expect to get a Canada-style trade deal currently pursued by Prime Minister Boris Johnson .
Mr Barnier reportedly told journalists that Britain was too much of a close competitor geographically to have a Canada-type arrangement .
`` A trade agreement that includes in particular fishing and includes a level playing field , with a country that has a very particular proximity - a unique territorial and economic closeness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be compared to Canada or South Korea or Japan , '' Mr Barnier said , according to the BBC .

A demand for the return of "unlawfully removed cultural objects" has been included in the EU's negotiating mandate for trade talks with the UK - prompting claims Britain will be held to ransom over the Elgin Marbles.
The British Museum has long refused to return the 2,500-year-old artefacts to Greece, which the country says were stolen from them by Lord Elgin in the early 19th century when it was under Ottoman Turkish rule.
However, the museum says the relics, which are roughly half of a 160-metre-long frieze which took pride of place in the Parthenon in the 5th century, were legally acquired by Elgin, who was said to have made an agreement with the Ottoman leaders.
Image: The marbles are kept in the British Museum
Image: Greece claims they were stolen in the 19th century
The EU's demand for the return of unlawfully removed cultural objects to their countries of origin did not specify any specific items.
However, an EU official said a request for the clause was made by Greece and is supported by Italy, Reuters news agency reports.
Athens has long campaigned for the return of the Marbles and recently announced it would step up its demands once the UK had left the European Union.
An EU source said the request had support from other EU countries, such as Cyprus and Spain, and that Greece was more concerned about the illegal trade of its relics through British auctions.
A Downing Street spokeswoman said the sculptures would not be discussed during next month's trade talks.
Image: They used to be housed in the Parthenon in Ancient Greece
She said: "The EU are still finalising their mandate - this is currently in draft.
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"The UK's position on the Parthenon sculptures remains unchanged - they are legal responsibility of the British Museum.
"That is not up for discussion as part of our trade negotiations."
It comes as Michel Barnier, the EU's chief negotiator, warned the UK could not expect to get a Canada-style trade deal currently pursued by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Mr Barnier reportedly told journalists that Britain was too much of a close competitor geographically to have a Canada-type arrangement.
"A trade agreement that includes in particular fishing and includes a level playing field, with a country that has a very particular proximity - a unique territorial and economic closeness - which is why it can't be compared to Canada or South Korea or Japan," Mr Barnier said, according to the BBC.


skynewspolitics--2020-02-18--PM tells Xi he 'loves China' and will 'work together' on coronavirus

Boris Johnson told the Chinese president in a telephone call on Tuesday that he `` loves China '' and wants to work with Beijing to lift bilateral relations to a new level .
The prime minister and Xi Jinping also spoke about fighting `` shoulder to shoulder '' against the deadly coronavirus , known as COVID-19 .
China 's ambassador to the UK gave Sky News exclusive details on the rare phone conversation between a British prime minister and China 's president - the first such call by Mr Johnson with President Xi .
`` They had a very good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an interview at the Chinese embassy in London .
He said the two men discussed China 's battle against COVID-19 , and Mr Johnson `` expressed a high appreciation of the efforts made by China '' .
Mr Liu added : `` They also talked about how China and the UK can collaborate to fight shoulder to shoulder against this virus . ''
On the UK-China relationship , the leaders `` talked about the relationship , how the two countries will strengthen this relationship for the next 10 years .
`` The prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and they reached broad consensus , '' he said .
Ambassador Liu said Mr Johnson told the Chinese president `` he loves China and he wants to work with China , his administration , to elevate the relationship to a new level '' .
`` President Xi also expressed our commitment to the relationship , '' he added .
The pair also discussed a global conference on climate change that the UK will host later this year .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts , Google @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minister told the Chinese president that he believes `` there are a lot of opportunities for China and the UK to work on the global agenda to address to address the global challenges like climate change '' .
Ambassador Liu said : `` It is a very good conversation .
It not only set the tone but also set the new direction for China-UK relations at a critical moment between China and the UK . ''
Downing Street also issued a statement about the telephone call .
A spokesperson said Mr Johnson `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outbreak of coronavirus in China '' .
`` President Xi thanked the UK for its support and in particular welcomed the donation of vital medical equipment to China , '' they added .

Boris Johnson told the Chinese president in a telephone call on Tuesday that he "loves China" and wants to work with Beijing to lift bilateral relations to a new level.
The prime minister and Xi Jinping also spoke about fighting "shoulder to shoulder" against the deadly coronavirus, known as COVID-19.
China's ambassador to the UK gave Sky News exclusive details on the rare phone conversation between a British prime minister and China's president - the first such call by Mr Johnson with President Xi.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:10 'China making sacrifice for global health security'
"They had a very good conversation," Ambassador Liu said in an interview at the Chinese embassy in London.
He said the two men discussed China's battle against COVID-19, and Mr Johnson "expressed a high appreciation of the efforts made by China".
Mr Liu added: "They also talked about how China and the UK can collaborate to fight shoulder to shoulder against this virus."
On the UK-China relationship, the leaders "talked about the relationship, how the two countries will strengthen this relationship for the next 10 years.
"The prime minister also mentioned about the golden era and they reached broad consensus," he said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:44 'COVID-19 more severe in men over 40'
Ambassador Liu said Mr Johnson told the Chinese president "he loves China and he wants to work with China, his administration, to elevate the relationship to a new level".
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"President Xi also expressed our commitment to the relationship," he added.
The pair also discussed a global conference on climate change that the UK will host later this year.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The prime minister told the Chinese president that he believes "there are a lot of opportunities for China and the UK to work on the global agenda to address to address the global challenges like climate change".
Ambassador Liu said: "It is a very good conversation. It not only set the tone but also set the new direction for China-UK relations at a critical moment between China and the UK."
Image: Xi Jingping has had a tense relationship with Donald Trump
Downing Street also issued a statement about the telephone call.
A spokesperson said Mr Johnson "offered his sympathies for those affected by the outbreak of coronavirus in China".
"President Xi thanked the UK for its support and in particular welcomed the donation of vital medical equipment to China," they added.


skynewspolitics--2020-02-18--Khan wants EU citizenship for Britons - but critics blast 'gimmick'

London mayor Sadiq Khan 's trip to Brussels to argue `` heartbroken '' Britons should be offered `` associate citizenship '' of the EU has been dismissed as a `` gimmick '' .
Mr Khan travelled to the Belgian capital on Tuesday to meet the EU 's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier and European Parliament president David Sassoli .
He also held talks with European Parliament Brexit coordinator Guy Verhofstadt over the idea of UK nationals being given the chance to retain their EU citizenship and keep a `` link '' to the bloc .
However , with less than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Mr Khan was told to instead focus on combating violent crime in the capital .
Shaun Bailey , the Conservative Party candidate hoping to stop Mr Khan being re-elected in May , said : `` Three more Londoners were stabbed on the weekend and a teenager is fighting for his life as we speak , and where is our mayor ?
`` In Brussels , announcing a gimmick he has no powers to implement .
`` The mayor has got to focus on his actual responsibilities ; he should be in London @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , over whom he does have actual powers . ''
Rory Stewart , the former MP and independent mayoral candidate , accused Mr Khan of chasing a `` soundbite '' , adding : `` The policy can not work . ''
At a news conference in Brussels alongside Mr Verhofstadt - a long-time champion of Britons being offered associate citizenship after Brexit - Mr Khan described how many Londoners were `` heartbroken '' by the UK 's departure from the EU last month .
He said : `` I 'm going to bang @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be close to our friends in Europe… but also seeing if there 's a possibility , even though we 've left the EU , of some sort of associate citizenship going forward .
`` I 've been pleased with the response and it gives hope to Londoners and others across our country . ''
Mr Khan hailed associate citizenship for Britons as `` the next best thing '' to the UK staying in the EU 's single market and retaining the bloc 's freedom of movement rules , which he admitted `` clearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He said : `` Even if the British government does n't reciprocate in relation to associate citizenship , we think the EU will put out the fraternal hand of friendship and recognise there are people in our country who want to stay close to the EU . ''
Mr Verhofstadt was challenged as to whether associate citizenship would mean Britons enjoying the benefits of EU membership without the UK having the obligations of being part of the bloc .
He insisted the UK would have to offer `` reciprocity '' to EU citizens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there would be an uphill task in convincing EU leaders to back his campaign .
`` The first thing to do is to convince European governments to come forward with the idea , '' he said .
Jean-Claude Piris , a former legal adviser to the European Council , claimed the plan for associate citizenship was `` not doable '' without first changing EU treaties .
`` No member state [ would be ] willing to do it in any case , '' he added .

London mayor Sadiq Khan's trip to Brussels to argue "heartbroken" Britons should be offered "associate citizenship" of the EU has been dismissed as a "gimmick".
Mr Khan travelled to the Belgian capital on Tuesday to meet the EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier and European Parliament president David Sassoli.
He also held talks with European Parliament Brexit coordinator Guy Verhofstadt over the idea of UK nationals being given the chance to retain their EU citizenship and keep a "link" to the bloc.
However, with less than three months until the London mayoral elections, Mr Khan was told to instead focus on combating violent crime in the capital.
Shaun Bailey, the Conservative Party candidate hoping to stop Mr Khan being re-elected in May, said: "Three more Londoners were stabbed on the weekend and a teenager is fighting for his life as we speak, and where is our mayor?
"In Brussels, announcing a gimmick he has no powers to implement.
"The mayor has got to focus on his actual responsibilities; he should be in London, urgently speaking with the Met Police, over whom he does have actual powers."
Rory Stewart, the former MP and independent mayoral candidate, accused Mr Khan of chasing a "soundbite", adding: "The policy cannot work."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:43 Now the UK is out of the EU, what next?
At a news conference in Brussels alongside Mr Verhofstadt - a long-time champion of Britons being offered associate citizenship after Brexit - Mr Khan described how many Londoners were "heartbroken" by the UK's departure from the EU last month.
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He said: "I'm going to bang the drum for our city and to be close to our friends in Europe… but also seeing if there's a possibility, even though we've left the EU, of some sort of associate citizenship going forward.
"I've been pleased with the response and it gives hope to Londoners and others across our country."
Mr Khan hailed associate citizenship for Britons as "the next best thing" to the UK staying in the EU's single market and retaining the bloc's freedom of movement rules, which he admitted "clearly is not going to happen".
He said: "Even if the British government doesn't reciprocate in relation to associate citizenship, we think the EU will put out the fraternal hand of friendship and recognise there are people in our country who want to stay close to the EU."
Mr Verhofstadt was challenged as to whether associate citizenship would mean Britons enjoying the benefits of EU membership without the UK having the obligations of being part of the bloc.
He insisted the UK would have to offer "reciprocity" to EU citizens.
But the Belgian politician also admitted there would be an uphill task in convincing EU leaders to back his campaign.
"The first thing to do is to convince European governments to come forward with the idea," he said.
Jean-Claude Piris, a former legal adviser to the European Council, claimed the plan for associate citizenship was "not doable" without first changing EU treaties.
"No member state [would be] willing to do it in any case," he added.


skynewspolitics--2020-02-18--Low-skilled workers to be denied visas under immigration shake-up

The UK 's post-Brexit immigration system will deny visas to low-skilled workers , the government has said .
A new points-based system - to be introduced from January 2021 - is intended to end dependence on `` cheap labour from Europe '' .
Ministers claim they will also make it easier for higher-skilled workers to get UK visas .
But critics say the proposals could be an `` absolute disaster '' for the social care sector , and there are `` serious concerns '' about the impact on farming .
The Home Office estimates 70 % of EU workers currently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ requirements if applying under the new system .
The salary threshold for skilled migrants will be lowered from £30,000 to £25,600 , but those coming to the UK must already have a job offer and speak English .
EU and non-EU nationals will be treated equally with priority given to those with `` the greatest talents '' , such as engineers and scientists .
If an applicant earns less than the threshold - but no less than £20,480 - they may still be able to come if they are skilled in an area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Secretary Priti Patel told Sky News ' Kay Burley @ Breakfast show : `` This is a very significant moment in the UK 's immmigration policy .
`` This is the first time in decades the government has been able to take back control , run its own immigration system after we 've left the EU , end free movement , end low-skilled migration to our country ; which means that we will get migration numbers down .
`` That is central to this policy of a points-based system . ''
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much immigration would fall under the new system , with the Conservatives having abandoned their previous long-held pledge to reduce net migration to below 100,000 per year .
`` We 're not getting into the sphere of targets at all , '' she said .
Ms Patel added : `` Success for us is actually having a vibrant economy .
`` An economy that is supported by high skills from individuals that come to our country on the points-based system that can contribute to our economy . ''
The home secretary stressed a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect hospitals from staff shortages under the new immigration plans .
But the Confederation of British Industry ( CBI ) has warned the care , construction , hospitality , food and drink sectors could be most affected by the changes .
Christina McAnea from Unison , which represents care workers , said : `` These plans spell absolute disaster for the care sector .
Care does n't even get a mention in the home secretary 's plans .
`` Companies and councils ca n't recruit enough staff from the UK so have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But even with these migrant employees , there 's still way too few care workers to meet demand . ''
The Royal College of Nursing also said the proposals would `` close the door '' on lower-paid healthcare workers , while the UK Homecare Association warned it could mean more people `` waiting unnecessarily in hospital or going without care '' .
National Farmers ' Union president Minette Batters argues the proposals could `` severely impact the farming sector '' .
The Food and Drink Federation ( FDF ) praised the reduction of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was cautious about the impact on less skilled workers in food production .
Mark Harrison , a spokesperson for the FDF , said : `` We have concerns about access to those potential employees who wo n't qualify through these 'skilled ' routes such as bakery assistants , meat processors , and workers essential to the production of huge array of basic foodstuffs such as cheese , pasta , and sausages . ''
: : Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Ms Patel later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who moved to Britain from Uganda in the 1960s , would have been barred entry to the UK under the new immigration system .
Her parents came to the UK before former Ugandan president Idi Amin ordered the expulsion of the country 's Asian minority .
Ms Patel told LBC Radio : `` This is n't about my background or my parents .
`` This is a very different system to what has gone on in the past and do n't forget this is a points-based system based on the labour market @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policies are changing .
This is the point .
We are changing our immigration policy to one that 's fit for purpose for our economy , based on skills .
`` This is not about refugees and asylum and people being persecuted around the world .
We must differentiate between the two . ''
Labour 's shadow home secretary Diane Abbott told Kay Burley @ Breakfast : `` Talking about immigrants as if they 're a problem is not the sort of leadership that government ought to offer .
`` The Labour Party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We want a fair system , we wo n't play the Tories ' dog-whistle politics . ''
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon repeated her call for Scotland to get its own immigration powers after the UK government unveiled details of the new scheme .
She posted on Twitter : `` Tory immigration policy is offensive in principle - it labels vital workers , making a big contribution as 'low skilled ' & slams the door in their faces .
`` And it is disastrous in practice - it will badly damage our economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ create policy for our needs & values . ''
Liberal Democrat home affairs spokeswoman Christine Jardine said the proposals were based on `` xenophobia '' and not the `` social and economic needs of our country '' .

The UK's post-Brexit immigration system will deny visas to low-skilled workers, the government has said.
A new points-based system - to be introduced from January 2021 - is intended to end dependence on "cheap labour from Europe".
Ministers claim they will also make it easier for higher-skilled workers to get UK visas.
Image: Critics say the plans could spell 'absolute disaster' for the care sector
But critics say the proposals could be an "absolute disaster" for the social care sector, and there are "serious concerns" about the impact on farming.
The Home Office estimates 70% of EU workers currently in the UK would not meet the requirements if applying under the new system.
The salary threshold for skilled migrants will be lowered from £30,000 to £25,600, but those coming to the UK must already have a job offer and speak English.
EU and non-EU nationals will be treated equally with priority given to those with "the greatest talents", such as engineers and scientists.
If an applicant earns less than the threshold - but no less than £20,480 - they may still be able to come if they are skilled in an area with a shortage of labour.
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Home Secretary Priti Patel told Sky News' Kay Burley @ Breakfast show: "This is a very significant moment in the UK's immmigration policy.
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"This is the first time in decades the government has been able to take back control, run its own immigration system after we've left the EU, end free movement, end low-skilled migration to our country; which means that we will get migration numbers down.
"That is central to this policy of a points-based system."
However, Ms Patel did not reveal by how much immigration would fall under the new system, with the Conservatives having abandoned their previous long-held pledge to reduce net migration to below 100,000 per year.
"We're not getting into the sphere of targets at all," she said.
Ms Patel added: "Success for us is actually having a vibrant economy.
"An economy that is supported by high skills from individuals that come to our country on the points-based system that can contribute to our economy."
Image: Home Secretary Priti Patel announced the plans at Imperial College London
The home secretary stressed a fast-track visa system for NHS workers would protect hospitals from staff shortages under the new immigration plans.
But the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has warned the care, construction, hospitality, food and drink sectors could be most affected by the changes.
Christina McAnea from Unison, which represents care workers, said: "These plans spell absolute disaster for the care sector. Care doesn't even get a mention in the home secretary's plans.
"Companies and councils can't recruit enough staff from the UK so have to rely on care workers from elsewhere. But even with these migrant employees, there's still way too few care workers to meet demand."
The Royal College of Nursing also said the proposals would "close the door" on lower-paid healthcare workers, while the UK Homecare Association warned it could mean more people "waiting unnecessarily in hospital or going without care".
Image: The proposals could 'severely impact the farming sector'
National Farmers' Union president Minette Batters argues the proposals could "severely impact the farming sector".
The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) praised the reduction of the skilled worker salary threshold, but was cautious about the impact on less skilled workers in food production.
Mark Harrison, a spokesperson for the FDF, said: "We have concerns about access to those potential employees who won't qualify through these 'skilled' routes such as bakery assistants, meat processors, and workers essential to the production of huge array of basic foodstuffs such as cheese, pasta, and sausages."
:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Ms Patel later faced questions over whether her own parents, who moved to Britain from Uganda in the 1960s, would have been barred entry to the UK under the new immigration system.
Her parents came to the UK before former Ugandan president Idi Amin ordered the expulsion of the country's Asian minority.
Ms Patel told LBC Radio: "This isn't about my background or my parents.
"This is a very different system to what has gone on in the past and don't forget this is a points-based system based on the labour market."
She added: "The policies are changing. This is the point. We are changing our immigration policy to one that's fit for purpose for our economy, based on skills.
"This is not about refugees and asylum and people being persecuted around the world. We must differentiate between the two."
Labour's shadow home secretary Diane Abbott told Kay Burley @ Breakfast: "Talking about immigrants as if they're a problem is not the sort of leadership that government ought to offer.
"The Labour Party celebrates the contribution of immigrants.
"We want a fair system, we won't play the Tories' dog-whistle politics."
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon repeated her call for Scotland to get its own immigration powers after the UK government unveiled details of the new scheme.
She posted on Twitter: "Tory immigration policy is offensive in principle - it labels vital workers, making a big contribution as 'low skilled' & slams the door in their faces.
"And it is disastrous in practice - it will badly damage our economy.
"We must get powers to create policy for our needs & values."
Liberal Democrat home affairs spokeswoman Christine Jardine said the proposals were based on "xenophobia" and not the "social and economic needs of our country".