skynewspolitics--2020-10-18--'Time's running out': New government campaign urges firms to prepare for no-deal Brexit

Businesses that trade with Europe are to be warned by Boris Johnson this week that time is running out to prepare for a no-deal Brexit .
The prime minister and Michael Gove - the cabinet minister in charge of no-deal planning - are to hold talks with business leaders , urging them to step up their efforts .
A publicity campaign , entitled `` Time is running out '' , is being launched and HMRC is writing to 200,000 firms to set out new customs and tax rules coming into force .
The move follows the collapse of trade negotiations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week , which ended with Lord Frost , the UK 's chief negotiator , telling his EU counterpart not to bother returning to the UK this week .
Interviewed on Sky News ' Sophy Ridge On Sunday programme , Mr Gove suggested there was now a less than 50 % chance of the UK striking a post-Brexit trade deal with the EU .
Announcing the no-deal campaign , Mr Gove said : `` At the end of this year we are leaving the EU single market and customs union and this means there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for businesses .
`` Make no mistake , there are changes coming in just 75 days and time is running out for businesses to act .
`` It is on all of us to put in the work now so that we can embrace the new opportunities available to an independent trading nation with control of its own borders , territorial waters and laws . ''
Business Secretary Alok Sharma added : `` With just 75 days until the end of the transition period , businesses must act now to ensure they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as an independent trading nation once more .
`` There will be no extension to the transition period , so there is no time to waste .
There will be a guaranteed set of changes for which businesses need to prepare for .
`` Businesses have a crucial role to play in ensuring a smooth transition , and the government will be there to support them through this change every step of the way . ''
The government publicity campaign will warn businesses : • If you sell goods to the EU you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If you travel to the EU for work purposes you will need to check if you need a visa or work permit and apply if necessary • If you employ overseas nationals you will need to prepare your business for the implementation of the new immigration system • From 1 January 2021 , if you want to hire anyone from outside the UK , including from the EU , you must be a Home Office licenced sponsor • If you are a UK business or organisation that receives personal data from contacts in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take extra steps to ensure that the data can continue to flow legally at the end of the transition period • If you provide services in the EU , you must ensure that your qualifications are now recognised by EU regulations to be able to practice or service clients in the EU .
In a move to speed up government preparations , Mr Gove has ordered the cabinet 's Brexit sub-committee to meet five times per week and said he will chair the 150th meeting of the committee next week .
He is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a meeting of the EU-UK Joint Committee in London on Monday to discuss progress on the implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement .
The prime minister and Mr Gove will then on Tuesday host a call with business representative organisations , federations and businesses with large supply chains .
Responding to Mr Gove 's announcement , British Chambers of Commerce director general Adam Marshall said : `` Facing the triple threat of a resurgent coronavirus , tightening restrictions and a disorderly end to the transition period , it is little wonder businesses are struggling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be tired of posturing , cliff edges and deadlines , while others are still grappling with fundamental challenges as a result of the pandemic .
`` A UK-EU deal is still both possible and critical .
Much may change for business at year end , but a deal would give firms more clarity so that they can plan and adjust . ''
The SNP 's Westminster leader , Ian Blackford MP , said : `` With businesses facing more barriers , warnings of queues in lorry parks , potential disruption to supplies , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ imposing Brexit in the middle of a pandemic - it will no doubt fill businesses with further concern that the UK government 's latest campaign comes with the strapline of 'time is running out . '
`` Businesses will be in despair at the UK government 's extreme approach which risks inflicting further harm at a time when many are struggling to deal with the impact of the coronavirus crisis .
`` It 's clear beyond any doubt that only by becoming an independent country can we properly protect Scotland 's interests and @ @ @ @ @ @

Businesses that trade with Europe are to be warned by Boris Johnson this week that time is running out to prepare for a no-deal Brexit.
The prime minister and Michael Gove - the cabinet minister in charge of no-deal planning - are to hold talks with business leaders, urging them to step up their efforts.
A publicity campaign, entitled "Time is running out", is being launched and HMRC is writing to 200,000 firms to set out new customs and tax rules coming into force.
The move follows the collapse of trade negotiations between Lord Frost and Michel Barnier last week, which ended with Lord Frost, the UK's chief negotiator, telling his EU counterpart not to bother returning to the UK this week.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 21:59 Sophy Ridge On Sunday highlights
Interviewed on Sky News' Sophy Ridge On Sunday, Mr Gove suggested there was now a less than 50% chance of the UK striking a post-Brexit trade deal with the EU.
Announcing the no-deal campaign, Mr Gove said: "At the end of this year we are leaving the EU single market and customs union and this means there are both new challenges and new opportunities for businesses.
"Make no mistake, there are changes coming in just 75 days and time is running out for businesses to act.
"It is on all of us to put in the work now so that we can embrace the new opportunities available to an independent trading nation with control of its own borders, territorial waters and laws."
Business Secretary Alok Sharma added: "With just 75 days until the end of the transition period, businesses must act now to ensure they are ready for the UK's new start as an independent trading nation once more.
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"There will be no extension to the transition period, so there is no time to waste. There will be a guaranteed set of changes for which businesses need to prepare for.
"Businesses have a crucial role to play in ensuring a smooth transition, and the government will be there to support them through this change every step of the way."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:36 PM's no-deal Brexit warning
The government publicity campaign will warn businesses:
If you sell goods to the EU you must prepare for new customs procedures
If you travel to the EU for work purposes you will need to check if you need a visa or work permit and apply if necessary
If you employ overseas nationals you will need to prepare your business for the implementation of the new immigration system
From 1 January 2021, if you want to hire anyone from outside the UK, including from the EU, you must be a Home Office licenced sponsor
If you are a UK business or organisation that receives personal data from contacts in the EEA, you may need to take extra steps to ensure that the data can continue to flow legally at the end of the transition period
If you provide services in the EU, you must ensure that your qualifications are now recognised by EU regulations to be able to practice or service clients in the EU
In a move to speed up government preparations, Mr Gove has ordered the cabinet's Brexit sub-committee to meet five times per week and said he will chair the 150th meeting of the committee next week.
He is hosting European Commission vice president Maros Sefcovic at a meeting of the EU-UK Joint Committee in London on Monday to discuss progress on the implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement.
The prime minister and Mr Gove will then on Tuesday host a call with business representative organisations, federations and businesses with large supply chains.
Image: Lord Frost and Michel Barnier have said there remain significant obstacles to overcome to strike a deal
Responding to Mr Gove's announcement, British Chambers of Commerce director general Adam Marshall said: "Facing the triple threat of a resurgent coronavirus, tightening restrictions and a disorderly end to the transition period, it is little wonder businesses are struggling to prepare.
"Many firms will be tired of posturing, cliff edges and deadlines, while others are still grappling with fundamental challenges as a result of the pandemic.
"A UK-EU deal is still both possible and critical. Much may change for business at year end, but a deal would give firms more clarity so that they can plan and adjust."
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Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick also told Sky News' Kay Burley show that Brussels should show more "flexibility and maturity", but added quitting the transition period with no free trade deal was still "acceptable".
The SNP's Westminster leader, Ian Blackford, said: "With businesses facing more barriers, warnings of queues in lorry parks, potential disruption to supplies, and the double economic hit due to imposing Brexit in the middle of a pandemic - it will no doubt fill businesses with further concern that the UK government's latest campaign comes with the strapline of 'time is running out'.
"Businesses will be in despair at the UK government's extreme approach which risks inflicting further harm at a time when many are struggling to deal with the impact of the coronavirus crisis.
"It's clear beyond any doubt that only by becoming an independent country can we properly protect Scotland's interests and our place in Europe."


skynewspolitics--2020-10-18--Never mind the bishops, PM's Brexit bill faces an unholy battering in the Lords

Boris Johnson 's controversial Internal Market Bill is n't just opposed by leading bishops , including Justin Welby .
It will also face an unholy battering when it 's debated for the first time in the House of Lords .
The Archbishop of Canterbury is one of 113 peers due to speak at the bill 's two-day second reading debate - when it wo n't be defeated , because their lordships do n't do anything so vulgar as defeat bills at second reading - but it will face bitter opposition .
And over the next few months - in what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - it will be pulled apart , chewed up and spat out by the overwhelmingly pro-Remain House of Lords , putting peers on a collision course with the Commons and setting up a bruising clash with the prime minister .
Dr Welby , along with his fellow archbishops from Armagh , Wales , York and the Scottish Episcopal Church , claim the bill - which overrides the prime minister 's own EU Withdrawal Agreement - `` would create a dangerous precedent '' .
They claim : `` It is particularly disturbing for all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ duty and responsibility to the Good Friday ( Belfast ) Agreement - that international treaty on which peace and stability within and between the UK and Ireland depends . ''
There will be plenty of peers who will wholeheartedly agree with that .
And not just the fully paid up Remoaners , Brussels lovers and pro-EU bores on the Labour , Liberal Democrat and crossbenches in the House of Lords .
Also due to speak in the second reading debate are hardline Tory Eurosceptics including Michael Howard and Norman Lamont , both of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bill in the Lords .
Lord Howard demanded to know how could the UK `` reproach '' Russia , China and Iran for their conduct when it was prepared to break international laws .
Also speaking from the Tory benches in the debate will be Howard and Lamont 's old Cambridge contemporary - and Brexit adversary - Kenneth Clarke , new to the Lords and who has only recently made his maiden speech .
Clarke , a former justice secretary and lord chancellor , is one of many lawyers speaking .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political demolition of the bill , his learned friends will no doubt be raising intricate legal objections , as if the Lords chamber were a courtroom .
These eminent lawyers include QCs Alex Carlile , the former terrorism adviser , Edward Garnier , a former Tory solicitor general , Lord Judge ( yes , really ) a former Lord Chief Justice and Labour 's Baroness Helena Kennedy .
Also due to speak is the former Commons speaker Betty Boothroyd , 91 earlier this month , and the former clerk of the Commons Robert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oracle on all matters procedural .
Tory opposition in the Commons was led by former prime minister Theresa May , who in a powerful speech last month denounced the bill as `` reckless '' and said it would `` damage trust in the UK '' .
If the bill were passed , she said , `` our reputation as a country that sticks by its word will have been tarnished '' .
In the vote on the bill at third reading , however , she abstained , rather than vote against it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker In the Lords this time , her representative on earth , her former Downing Street chief of staff Gavin Barwell - ennobled in her resignation honours - is also on the list of speakers .
As well as Mrs May , the other four living former prime ministers - Sir John Major , Tony Blair , Gordon Brown and David Cameron - have all spoken out against the bill .
Now it 's the turn of their lordships , who will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the bill - aided by the UK 's most senior archbishop .

Boris Johnson's controversial Internal Market Bill isn't just opposed by leading bishops, including Justin Welby. It will also face an unholy battering when it's debated for the first time in the House of Lords.
The Archbishop of Canterbury is one of 113 peers due to speak at the bill's two-day second reading debate - when it won't be defeated, because their lordships don't do anything so vulgar as defeat bills at second reading - but it will face bitter opposition.
Image: There are plenty of peers who will wholeheartedly agree with what the bishops have said
And over the next few months - in what promises to be a fractious committee stage - it will be pulled apart, chewed up and spat out by the overwhelmingly pro-Remain House of Lords, putting peers on a collision course with the Commons and setting up a bruising clash with the prime minister.
Dr Welby, along with his fellow archbishops from Armagh, Wales, York and the Scottish Episcopal Church, claim the bill - which overrides the prime minister's own EU Withdrawal Agreement - "would create a dangerous precedent".
They claim: "It is particularly disturbing for all of us who feel a sense of duty and responsibility to the Good Friday (Belfast) Agreement - that international treaty on which peace and stability within and between the UK and Ireland depends."
There will be plenty of peers who will wholeheartedly agree with that. And not just the fully paid up Remoaners, Brussels lovers and pro-EU bores on the Labour, Liberal Democrat and crossbenches in the House of Lords.
Also due to speak in the second reading debate are hardline Tory Eurosceptics including Michael Howard and Norman Lamont, both of whom have already spoken out strongly against the bill in the Lords.
Lord Howard demanded to know how could the UK "reproach" Russia, China and Iran for their conduct when it was prepared to break international laws.
Also speaking from the Tory benches in the debate will be Howard and Lamont's old Cambridge contemporary - and Brexit adversary - Kenneth Clarke, new to the Lords and who has only recently made his maiden speech.
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Clarke, a former justice secretary and lord chancellor, is one of many lawyers speaking. And while bruiser Ken will join in the political demolition of the bill, his learned friends will no doubt be raising intricate legal objections, as if the Lords chamber were a courtroom.
Image: Recent addition to the lords and former justice secretary and lord chancellor, Kenneth Clarke, is due to have his say
These eminent lawyers include QCs Alex Carlile, the former terrorism adviser, Edward Garnier, a former Tory solicitor general, Lord Judge (yes, really) a former Lord Chief Justice and Labour's Baroness Helena Kennedy.
Also due to speak is the former Commons speaker Betty Boothroyd, 91 earlier this month, and the former clerk of the Commons Robert Rogers, now Lord Lisvane, the oracle on all matters procedural.
Tory opposition in the Commons was led by former prime minister Theresa May, who in a powerful speech last month denounced the bill as "reckless" and said it would "damage trust in the UK".
If the bill were passed, she said, "our reputation as a country that sticks by its word will have been tarnished". In the vote on the bill at third reading, however, she abstained, rather than vote against it.
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In the Lords this time, her representative on earth, her former Downing Street chief of staff Gavin Barwell - ennobled in her resignation honours - is also on the list of speakers.
As well as Mrs May, the other four living former prime ministers - Sir John Major, Tony Blair, Gordon Brown and David Cameron - have all spoken out against the bill.
Now it's the turn of their lordships, who will no doubt inflict the wrath of God on the bill - aided by the UK's most senior archbishop.


skynewspolitics--2020-10-18--Greater Manchester hospitals 'running out of beds' as Tier 3 lockdown row deepens

Andy Burnham is facing a new clash with Boris Johnson over claims that hospitals in Greater Manchester are running out of beds to treat people infected with COVID-19 .
As the Greater Manchester mayor battles with the prime minister over Tier 3 status and cash to support businesses forced to close , it is reported that some of the region 's 12 hospitals are already full .
The claim , in a leaked NHS document reported in The Guardian , comes after Mr Burnham accused Mr Johnson of exaggerating the severity of the crisis in the region .
It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ held `` constructive '' talks with Mr Johnson 's senior aide Sir Edward Lister , the PM is now ready to offer tens of millions of pounds to head off a Tier 3 revolt .
Mr Burnham has written to Mr Johnson and other party leaders proposing a Commons debate and vote to `` break the impasse '' and establish a cross-party consensus on financial aid for Tier 3 areas .
According to The Guardian , the leaked NHS document shows that by last Friday the resurgence of the disease had left hospitals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maximum capacity , with no spare beds to help with the growing influx .
A spokesperson for the NHS in Greater Manchester told Sky News : `` It 's not unusual for 80 to 85 % of ICU beds to be in use at this time of year and our hospitals work together if there are particular pressures in any one area , to ensure the best care for patients who need the high level of support ICU provides , both for COVID-19 and for other reasons . ''
But a spokesperson for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` Coronavirus cases are rising and it is obviously a serious situation so it is vital everyone does what they can to control the virus . ''
The reported beds crisis came after Mr Burnham disputed a claim by the prime minister in a Downing Street news conference on Friday , when he said the coronavirus outbreak in Manchester was `` grave '' and cases had doubled in the last nine days .
Mr Burnham said in a Sunday TV interview : `` I think it was an exaggeration of the position @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's a matter of concern , and we watch the figures very closely indeed .
`` But the figures have been falling in Manchester itself in the last few days , across Greater Manchester up slightly but certainly not doubling every nine days . ''
Although Mr Burnham 's criticism of Mr Johnson prompted Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove to accuse the mayor of `` posturing '' , it is reported the PM is ready to offer extra cash for the region if a deal on Tier 3 is reached .
: @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The Times reports that Downing Street has not ruled out imposing Tier 3 status on Greater Manchester , but has accepted it is more likely to work if backed by local leaders .
Significantly , Mr Burnham 's demands for more cash are being backed by Sir Graham Brady , MP for Altrincham and Sale West and chairman of the Conservative backbench 1922 Committee .
But cracks began to appear in Tory backing for Mr Burnham when five Conservative MPs from Greater Manchester wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal `` around the negotiating table and not via loud-hailer '' .
Earlier , proposing a Commons debate and vote , Mr Burnham urged party leaders : `` We recognise the uncertainty that this is causing and write to ask for your help in breaking the impasse and finding a fair resolution .
`` This could be done by parliament calling an urgent debate and vote this week to establish a cross-party consensus on what constitutes a fair financial framework for people in areas under Tier 3 restrictions . ''

Stalemate seems to remain in negotiations about tougher restrictions for Greater Manchester, as hospitals in the region run low on beds to treat coronavirus patients.
Mayor Andy Burnham told Sky News he is "not just going to roll over at the sight of a cheque" but said he was holding out for the government to pledge more help for workers and firms who would be affected by a move to Tier 3.
Talks have been going on for several days - and broke out into acrimony at the end of last week - but they are continuing on Monday.
Image: Talks are continuing between the government and local leaders
A senior minister put pressure on Mr Burnham and other local leaders to accept the area needs to move into England's highest band of measures to stem the spread of COVID-19.
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick told Sky News' Kay Burley a deal needs to be struck by the end of Tuesday or the government could step in and impose the restrictions unilaterally.
Meanwhile, data from the Greater Manchester Critical Care Network (GMCCN) suggested some of the region's 12 hospitals were running out of space on Friday.
The figures showed the Stepping Hill Hospital and the Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust were operating at full capacity.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:37 Jenrick 'hopeful' of agreement on Manchester
It also showed the Royal Bolton Hospital was running at 94% capacity
The figures show hospitals across Greater Manchester are operating at an average of 82% capacity.
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The NHS said in a statement: "We are monitoring the situation with our hospital admissions, overall beds and ITU beds very, very closely.
Image: Manchester Royal Infirmary Hospital was at 87% capacity on Friday
Image: The NHS has admitted the coronavirus crisis in Greater Manchester is 'serious'
"It's not unusual for 80% to 85% of ICU beds to be in use at this time of year and our hospitals work together if there are particular pressures in any one area, to ensure the best care for patients who need the high level of support ICU provides, both for COVID and for other reasons."
A source at the GMCCN told Sky News the NHS usually say they're "at capacity" when they hit 85%, not 100% of beds filled.
A spokesperson for the NHS in the North West has said: "Coronavirus cases are rising and it is obviously a serious situation so it is vital everyone does what they can to control the virus."
And Downing Street said on Monday cases among the over 60s in Manchester "continue to rise", warning if no action is taken intensive care unit capacity will be full of COVID patients by 8 November, and surge capacity full four days later.
The figures emerged after Mr Burnham accused Boris Johnson of exaggerating the severity of the crisis in the region.
But there were reports of progress, with The Times saying the prime minister is ready to offer "tens of millions of pounds" to head off a revolt, while The Telegraph says it is more like £100m.
Image: The Greater Manchester mayor is in a stand-off with Westminster over its tiered status
Mr Burnham had written to Mr Johnson and other party leaders proposing a Commons debate and vote to "break the impasse" and establish a cross-party consensus on financial aid for Tier 3 areas.
Mr Jenrick suggested a deal was within reach, and claimed "the contours of an agreement are there".
And he hinted parts of South and West Yorkshire could also be placed into the highest band of restrictions in England, telling Kay Burley "we'll be discussing the same issues" with local politicians there.
In total, the UK recorded another 16,171 positive cases on Sunday and a further 150 COVID-related deaths.
That brings the total number of deaths to 43,579.
But separate figures from the UK's statistic agencies suggest up to 58,500 people have died with the virus mentioned on their death certificate.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:38 Gove: Starmer must tell Burnham to accept measures
Tensions were raised over the weekend, when Mr Burnham disputed a claim by Mr Johnson on Friday, when he said the coronavirus outbreak in Manchester was "grave" and cases had doubled in the last nine days.
The Greater Manchester mayor said in a Sunday TV interview: "I think it was an exaggeration of the position that we're in. Of course it's a matter of concern, and we watch the figures very closely indeed.
"But the figures have been falling in Manchester itself in the last few days, across Greater Manchester up slightly but certainly not doubling every nine days."
Though that led to Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove accusing Mr Burnham of "posturing".
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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Significantly, Mr Burnham's demands for more cash are being backed by Sir Graham Brady, MP for Altrincham and Sale West and chairman of the Conservative backbench 1922 Committee.
But cracks began to appear in Tory backing for Mr Burnham when five Conservative MPs from Greater Manchester wrote to him urging him to do a deal "around the negotiating table and not via loud-hailer".
Image: Measures under Tiers 1, 2 and 3 of England's lockdown system
On Monday morning, Mr Burnham said "nothing's changed as far as I'm concerned".
He told Sky News: "We've always said we'll put people's health first and we will do that, but health is about more than controlling the virus."
Elsewhere, Wales is expected to announce a "fire break" lockdown to curb the rate of infection. If it gets the green light it will begin on Friday and last for 17 days, a leaked document claimed last week.
In Ireland, the cabinet is meeting to make a final decision on whether to impose its highest Level 5 measures - equivalent to England's Tier 3 - as part of a six-week lockdown, after its National Public Health Emergency Team recommended harsher restrictions.
It is understood that a middle ground between Level 4 and Level 5 is a probable scenario for the coming weeks.
Watch and follow 'Postcode Lockdown: A Divided Nation' on Sky News from 9pm on Monday, as it examines which strategy is best for Britain


skynewspolitics--2020-10-18--Archbishops warn of 'disastrous precedent' over controversial Brexit bill in rare joint letter

The UK 's archbishops have penned a rare joint letter warning that the government 's controversial new Brexit legislation could undermine trust between the four home nations .
Ahead of peers in the House of Lords debating the Internal Market Bill on Monday , the archbishops of Armagh , Canterbury , York , Wales and the Scottish Episcopal Church said that in its current form it could pose `` enormous moral , as well as political and legal , consequences '' .
That stark assessment relates to one minister 's own admission that the plan does allow the government to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and specific way '' .
The letter , to be published in the Financial Times , describes the suggestions on how the four home nations will trade with each other after Brexit as an `` entirely novel system , replacing one that evolved slowly and by careful negotiation over decades '' .
It raises concerns about the bill 's ability to `` equip a government minister to break international law '' , adding it would create a `` create a disastrous precedent '' in the future .
The bill , which is due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the House of Lords on Monday , is currently going through the process to be turned into legislation .
After it was published on 9 September , it became a contentious topic as it overrides parts of Britain 's legal divorce deal with the EU , known as the Withdrawal Agreement Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis had sought to defend the bill when he admitted it breached international law and said the government was trying to `` disapply '' EU legislation .
He added that there are `` clear precedents for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their international obligations as circumstances change '' , but drew condemnation from across the Commons - including the former prime minister Theresa May .
And in a report published on Friday by the House of Lords Select Committee on the constitution , peers said ministers should listen to the concerns of the devolved administrations over the bill and amend it accordingly .
In their letter to the peers , Reverends John McDowell , Justin Welby , Mark Strange , John Davies and Stephen Cottrell said : `` The Scottish Parliament and Welsh Senedd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weakening of both the principles and the effect of devolved policymaking is of constitutional significance .
`` Moreover , if the bill is made law without consent from devolved legislatures ( as will happen if it is not amended to address their concerns ) , this will further undermine trust and goodwill among those who govern the different parts of the United Kingdom . ''
It adds : `` The UK negotiated the Northern Ireland Protocol with the EU to 'protect the 1998 Agreement in all its dimensions ' .
`` One year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK Government is not only preparing to break the protocol , but also to breach a fundamental tenet of the Agreement : namely by limiting the incorporation of the European Convention on Human Rights in Northern Ireland law .
`` If carefully negotiated terms are not honoured and laws can be 'legally ' broken , on what foundations does our democracy stand ? ''
The bishops ' letter comes as the government launches a new `` time is running out campaign '' to urge businesses to prepare for a no-deal Brexit .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between Lord Frost and Michel Barnier last week , which ended with Lord Frost , the UK 's chief negotiator , telling his EU counterpart not to bother returning to the UK this week .
Analysis : Never mind the bishops , PM 's Brexit bill faces an unholy battering in the Lords By Jon Craig , chief political correspondent Boris Johnson 's controversial Internal Market Bill is n't just opposed by leading bishops , including Justin Welby .
It will also face an unholy battering when it 's debated for the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Archbishop of Canterbury is one of 113 peers due to speak at the bill 's two-day second reading debate - when it wo n't be defeated , because their lordships do n't do anything so vulgar as defeat bills at second reading - but it will face bitter opposition .
And over the next few months - in what promises to be a fractious committee stage - it will be pulled apart , chewed up and spat out by the overwhelmingly pro-Remain House of Lords , putting peers on a collision course @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bruising clash with the prime minister .
Dr Welby , along with his fellow archbishops from Armagh , Wales , York and the Scottish Episcopal Church , claim the bill - which overrides the prime minister 's own EU Withdrawal Agreement - `` would create a dangerous precedent '' .
They claim : `` It is particularly disturbing for all of us who feel a sense of duty and responsibility to the Good Friday ( Belfast ) Agreement - that international treaty on which peace and stability within and between the UK and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plenty of peers who will wholeheartedly agree with that .
And not just the fully paid up Remoaners , Brussels lovers and pro-EU bores on the Labour , Liberal Democrat and cross benches in the House of Lords .
Also due to speak in the second reading debate are hardline Tory Euro-sceptics including Michael Howard and Norman Lamont , both of whom have already spoken out strongly against the Bill in the Lords .
Lord Howard demanded to know how could the UK `` reproach '' Russia , China and Iran for their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ international laws .
Also speaking from the Tory benches in the debate will be Howard and Lamont 's old Cambridge contemporary - and Brexit adversary - Kenneth Clarke , new to the Lords and who has only recently made his maiden speech .
Clarke , a former justice secretary and lord chancellor , is one of many lawyers speaking .
And while bruiser Ken will join in the political demolition of the Bill , his learned friends will no doubt be raising intricate legal objections , as if the Lords chamber were a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alex Carlile , the former terrorism adviser , Edward Garnier , a former Tory solicitor general , Lord Judge ( yes , really ) a former Lord Chief Justice and Labour 's Baroness Helena Kennedy .
Also due to speak is the former Commons Speaker Betty Boothroyd , 91 earlier this month , and the former clerk of the Commons Robert Rogers , now Lord Lisvane , the oracle on all matters procedural .
Tory opposition in the Commons was led by former prime minister Theresa May , who in a powerful speech @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reckless '' and said it would `` damage trust in the UK '' .
If the bill were passed , she said , `` our reputation as a country that sticks by its word will have been tarnished '' .
In the vote on the bill at third reading , however , she abstained , rather than vote against it .
In the Lords this time , her representative on earth , her former Downing Street chief of staff Gavin Barwell - enabled in her resignation honours - is also on the list @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May , the other four living former prime ministers - Sir John Major , Tony Blair , Gordon Brown and David Cameron - have all spoken out against the bill .
Now it 's the turn of their lordships , who will no doubt inflict the wrath of God on the bill - aided by the UK 's most senior archbishop .

The archbishops of the UK and Ireland have penned a rare joint letter warning that the government's controversial new Brexit legislation could undermine trust between the four home nations.
Ahead of peers in the House of Lords debating the Internal Market Bill on Monday, the archbishops of Armagh, Canterbury, York, Wales and the Scottish Episcopal Church said that in its current form it could pose "enormous moral, as well as political and legal, consequences".
That stark assessment relates to one minister's own admission that the plan does allow the government to break international law in a "limited and specific way".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:57 Minister admits new bill will break law
The letter, published in the Financial Times, describes the suggestions on how the four home nations will trade with each other after Brexit as an "entirely novel system, replacing one that evolved slowly and by careful negotiation over decades".
It raises concerns about the bill's ability to "equip a government minister to break international law", adding it would "create a disastrous precedent" in the future.
The bill, which is due to be read for a second time in the House of Lords on Monday, is currently going through the process to be turned into legislation.
After it was published on 9 September, it became a contentious topic as it overrides parts of Britain's legal divorce deal with the EU, known as the Withdrawal Agreement.
Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis had sought to defend the bill when he admitted it breached international law and said the government was trying to "disapply" EU legislation.
He added that there are "clear precedents for the UK and other countries needing to consider their international obligations as circumstances change", but drew condemnation from across the Commons - including the former prime minister Theresa May.
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And in a report published on Friday by the House of Lords Select Committee on the constitution, peers said ministers should listen to the concerns of the devolved administrations over the bill and amend it accordingly.
Image: Revd John McDowell has also co-signed the letter, which is printed in the Financial Times
In their letter to the peers, Reverends John McDowell, Justin Welby, Mark Strange, John Davies and Stephen Cottrell said: "The Scottish Parliament and Welsh Senedd have made clear that the bill's weakening of both the principles and the effect of devolved policymaking is of constitutional significance.
"Moreover, if the bill is made law without consent from devolved legislatures (as will happen if it is not amended to address their concerns), this will further undermine trust and goodwill among those who govern the different parts of the United Kingdom."
It adds: "The UK negotiated the Northern Ireland Protocol with the EU to 'protect the 1998 Agreement in all its dimensions'.
"One year on, in this bill, the UK Government is not only preparing to break the protocol, but also to breach a fundamental tenet of the Agreement: namely by limiting the incorporation of the European Convention on Human Rights in Northern Ireland law.
"If carefully negotiated terms are not honoured and laws can be 'legally' broken, on what foundations does our democracy stand?"
Image: Time is running out to strike a Brexit deal
The bishops' letter comes as the government launches a new "time is running out campaign" to urge businesses to prepare for a no-deal Brexit.
The move follows the collapse of trade negotiations between Lord Frost and Michel Barnier last week, which ended with Lord Frost, the UK's chief negotiator, telling his EU counterpart not to bother returning to the UK this week.
Analysis: Never mind the bishops, PM's Brexit bill faces an unholy battering in the Lords
By Jon Craig, chief political correspondent
Boris Johnson's controversial Internal Market Bill isn't just opposed by leading bishops, including Justin Welby. It will also face an unholy battering when it's debated for the first time in the House of Lords.
The Archbishop of Canterbury is one of 113 peers due to speak at the bill's two-day second reading debate - when it won't be defeated, because their lordships don't do anything so vulgar as defeat bills at second reading - but it will face bitter opposition.
And over the next few months - in what promises to be a fractious committee stage - it will be pulled apart, chewed up and spat out by the overwhelmingly pro-Remain House of Lords, putting peers on a collision course with the Commons and setting up a bruising clash with the prime minister.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:29 Internal Market Bill is passed by Commons
Dr Welby, along with his fellow archbishops from Armagh, Wales, York and the Scottish Episcopal Church, claim the bill - which overrides the prime minister's own EU Withdrawal Agreement - "would create a dangerous precedent".
They claim: "It is particularly disturbing for all of us who feel a sense of duty and responsibility to the Good Friday (Belfast) Agreement - that international treaty on which peace and stability within and between the UK and Ireland depends."
There will be plenty of peers who will wholeheartedly agree with that. And not just the fully paid up Remoaners, Brussels lovers and pro-EU bores on the Labour, Liberal Democrat and cross benches in the House of Lords.
Also due to speak in the second reading debate are hardline Tory eurosceptics including Michael Howard and Norman Lamont, both of whom have already spoken out strongly against the Bill in the Lords.
Lord Howard demanded to know how could the UK "reproach" Russia, China and Iran for their conduct when it was prepared to break international laws.
Also speaking from the Tory benches in the debate will be Howard and Lamont's old Cambridge contemporary - and Brexit adversary - Kenneth Clarke, new to the Lords and who has only recently made his maiden speech.
Clarke, a former justice secretary and lord chancellor, is one of many lawyers speaking. And while bruiser Ken will join in the political demolition of the Bill, his learned friends will no doubt be raising intricate legal objections, as if the Lords chamber were a courtroom.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:36 PM's no-deal Brexit warning
These eminent lawyers include QCs Alex Carlile, the former terrorism adviser, Edward Garnier, a former Tory solicitor general, Lord Judge (yes, really) a former Lord Chief Justice and Labour's Baroness Helena Kennedy.
Also due to speak is the former Commons Speaker Betty Boothroyd, 91 earlier this month, and the former clerk of the Commons Robert Rogers, now Lord Lisvane, the oracle on all matters procedural.
Tory opposition in the Commons was led by former prime minister Theresa May, who in a powerful speech last month denounced the bill as "reckless" and said it would "damage trust in the UK".
If the bill were passed, she said, "our reputation as a country that sticks by its word will have been tarnished". In the vote on the bill at third reading, however, she abstained, rather than vote against it.
In the Lords this time, her representative on earth, her former Downing Street chief of staff Gavin Barwell - enabled in her resignation honours - is also on the list of speakers.
As well as Mrs May, the other four living former prime ministers - Sir John Major, Tony Blair, Gordon Brown and David Cameron - have all spoken out against the bill.
Now it's the turn of their lordships, who will no doubt inflict the wrath of God on the bill - aided by the UK's most senior archbishop.


skynewspolitics--2020-10-18--Greater Manchester mayor calls for vote on more support for Tier 3 areas amid lockdown row

Michael Gove has accused Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham of `` posturing '' and `` political positioning '' in refusing to accept strict new COVID-19 rules .
The government is currently in a stand-off with Mr Burnham over whether his region should be moved into the highest alert level of the new three-tier system for local coronavirus lockdowns .
Before agreeing to tougher Tier 3 restrictions , Mr Burnham has called for greater financial help for firms that would be affected by the move , which would see bars and pubs closed - and likely a number of other businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manchester is running out of hospital beds as it struggles with the rising number of COVID-19 cases .
Documents seen by The Guardian suggest that hospitals in Salford , Stockport and Bolton reached maximum capacity on Friday , but an NHS spokesman played down the claims , telling Sky News `` it is not unusual '' for intensive care wards to be 80 to 85 % full .
But they said Nightingale hospitals are on standby to admit patients as part of `` escalation plans '' .
Live coronavirus updates from the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Mayor Andy Burnham held a `` constructive '' call with Sir Edward Lister , the prime minister 's chief strategic adviser , the mayor 's spokesman said .
Mr Burnham also wrote to Boris Johnson , Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and other Westminster party leaders to ask for their help in `` breaking the impasse and finding a fair resolution '' .
He urged them to `` establish a cross-party consensus on what constitutes a fair financial framework for people in areas under Tier 3 restrictions '' .
Mr Burnham called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheme '' covering 80 % of wages , or at least the national minimum wage , support for the self-employed , and improved compensation for businesses .
The mayor said the `` clear national entitlements '' similar to during the country 's nationwide lockdown in March were essential to create the `` sense of fairness '' to ensure compliance with new restrictions .
Amid an increasingly bitter political row , Mr Gove , the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster , had earlier risked further inflaming tensions between ministers and the Greater Manchester @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impose Tier 3 restrictions on Greater Manchester even without an agreement , Mr Gove told Sky News ' Sophy Ridge On Sunday programme : `` I want to reach an agreement with the political leadership in Greater Manchester .
`` I want them to put aside , for a moment , some of the political positioning that they 've indulged in .
And I want them to work with us in order to ensure that we save lives and protect the NHS .
`` An absence of action will mean more people will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get infected that will place more pressure on the NHS .
`` And the more people , sadly , in intensive care beds in the North West and in Manchester who are suffering from coronavirus , the fewer intensive care beds are there for people with other serious conditions .
`` All of this is happening as we move closer to the winter and instead of press conferences and posturing , what we need is action to save people 's lives . ''
Mr Burnham hit back at Mr Gove and refuted the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as he pointed to the fact Greater Manchester was the first part of the country to accept localised COVID-19 restrictions at the end of July .
And he accused Boris Johnson of having exaggerated the severity of COVID-19 infections in Greater Manchester .
`` It 's a serious situation but I do n't think it was the situation that was described by the prime minister on Friday evening , '' Mr Burnham told the BBC 's Andrew Marr Show .
`` I think it was an exaggeration of the position that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's a matter of concern , and we watch the figures very closely indeed , but the figures have been falling in Manchester itself in the last few days , across Greater Manchester up slightly but certainly not doubling every nine days .
`` So let 's be careful here .
I would certainly say this morning let 's step back a bit from a war of words . ''
Mr Burnham , a former Labour MP , has not ruled out a legal challenge against the government if Tier 3 restrictions are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Anywhere could end up in Tier 3 this winter , in fact I would say places are likely to end up in Tier 3 this winter , '' he added .
`` Therefore it 's everyone 's concern that we protect the lowest-paid in our communities and the self-employed who are left with nothing on the government 's current deal . ''
The Greater Manchester mayor also criticised a letter from 20 Conservative MPs , who have called on him to work with the government 's regional approach to COVID-19 restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown .
`` I 'm not sure a sort of 'we 're alright Jack ' letter from a group of southern Conservative MPs is going to cut much ice here , '' Mr Burnham said .
Altrincham and Sale West MP , Sir Graham Brady , who is also the chair of the influential 1922 Committee of Tory backbenchers , told BBC Radio 4 's Broadcasting House that Greater Manchester 's Labour and Conservative MPs were `` pretty united '' in opposing Tier 3 restrictions .
Mr Burnham later tweeted to say Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phone to Sir Graham '' .
Kate Green , Labour 's shadow education secretary , told Sophy Ridge that Greater Manchester should go into Tier 3 restrictions , but said her party 's preference would be for a national `` circuit breaker '' lockdown .
`` That will be more effective , more quickly , than this constant patchwork of checking in and then never being able to check out of local restrictions that people do n't understand and where already we can see they are not proving effective , '' she said @

Michael Gove has accused Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham of "posturing" and "political positioning" in refusing to accept strict new COVID-19 rules.
The government is currently in a stand-off with Mr Burnham over whether his region should be moved into the highest alert level of the new three-tier system for local coronavirus lockdowns.
Before agreeing to tougher Tier 3 restrictions, Mr Burnham has called for greater financial help for firms that would be affected by the move, which would see bars and pubs closed - and likely a number of other businesses.
It comes amid claims that Greater Manchester is running out of hospital beds as it struggles with the rising number of COVID-19 cases.
Documents seen by The Guardian suggest that hospitals in Salford, Stockport and Bolton reached maximum capacity on Friday, but an NHS spokesman played down the claims, telling Sky News "it is not unusual" for intensive care wards to be 80 to 85% full.
But they said Nightingale hospitals are on standby to admit patients as part of "escalation plans".
Live coronavirus updates from the UK and around the world
Image: Measures under Tiers 1, 2 and 3 of England's lockdown system
On Sunday afternoon, Mayor Andy Burnham held a "constructive" call with Sir Edward Lister, the prime minister's chief strategic adviser, the mayor's spokesman said.
Mr Burnham also wrote to Boris Johnson, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and other Westminster party leaders to ask for their help in "breaking the impasse and finding a fair resolution".
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He urged them to "establish a cross-party consensus on what constitutes a fair financial framework for people in areas under Tier 3 restrictions".
Mr Burnham called for a "full and fair furlough scheme" covering 80% of wages, or at least the national minimum wage, support for the self-employed, and improved compensation for businesses.
The mayor said the "clear national entitlements" similar to during the country's nationwide lockdown in March were essential to create the "sense of fairness" to ensure compliance with new restrictions.
Amid an increasingly bitter political row, Mr Gove, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, had earlier risked further inflaming tensions between ministers and the Greater Manchester mayor.
Asked if the government would impose Tier 3 restrictions on Greater Manchester even without an agreement, Mr Gove told Sky News' Sophy Ridge On Sunday programme: "I want to reach an agreement with the political leadership in Greater Manchester.
"I want them to put aside, for a moment, some of the political positioning that they've indulged in. And I want them to work with us in order to ensure that we save lives and protect the NHS.
"An absence of action will mean more people will get infected, and as more people get infected that will place more pressure on the NHS.
"And the more people, sadly, in intensive care beds in the North West and in Manchester who are suffering from coronavirus, the fewer intensive care beds are there for people with other serious conditions.
"All of this is happening as we move closer to the winter and instead of press conferences and posturing, what we need is action to save people's lives."
Image: Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham is in a stand-off with ministers over tougher COVID rules
Mr Burnham hit back at Mr Gove and refuted the suggestion he is "playing politics", as he pointed to the fact Greater Manchester was the first part of the country to accept localised COVID-19 restrictions at the end of July.
And he accused Boris Johnson of having exaggerated the severity of COVID-19 infections in Greater Manchester.
"It's a serious situation but I don't think it was the situation that was described by the prime minister on Friday evening," Mr Burnham told the BBC's Andrew Marr Show.
"I think it was an exaggeration of the position that we're in.
"Of course it's a matter of concern, and we watch the figures very closely indeed, but the figures have been falling in Manchester itself in the last few days, across Greater Manchester up slightly but certainly not doubling every nine days.
"So let's be careful here. I would certainly say this morning let's step back a bit from a war of words."
Mr Burnham, a former Labour MP, has not ruled out a legal challenge against the government if Tier 3 restrictions are imposed without greater financial help for businesses.
"Anywhere could end up in Tier 3 this winter, in fact I would say places are likely to end up in Tier 3 this winter," he added.
"Therefore it's everyone's concern that we protect the lowest-paid in our communities and the self-employed who are left with nothing on the government's current deal."
The Greater Manchester mayor also criticised a letter from 20 Conservative MPs, who have called on him to work with the government's regional approach to COVID-19 restrictions in the hope of avoiding another national lockdown.
"I'm not sure a sort of 'we're alright Jack' letter from a group of southern Conservative MPs is going to cut much ice here," Mr Burnham said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:13 Will people die as a result of politicians 'squabbling'?
Altrincham and Sale West MP, Sir Graham Brady, who is also the chair of the influential 1922 Committee of Tory backbenchers, told BBC Radio 4's Broadcasting House that Greater Manchester's Labour and Conservative MPs were "pretty united" in opposing Tier 3 restrictions.
Mr Burnham later tweeted to say Mr Gove "needs to pick up the phone to Sir Graham".
Kate Green, Labour's shadow education secretary, told Sophy Ridge that Greater Manchester should go into Tier 3 restrictions, but said her party's preference would be for a national "circuit breaker" lockdown.
"That will be more effective, more quickly, than this constant patchwork of checking in and then never being able to check out of local restrictions that people don't understand and where already we can see they are not proving effective," she said.


skynewspolitics--2020-10-18--Five things we learnt from this week's Sophy Ridge On Sunday

The second wave is spreading across the country , the fight over Greater Manchester 's future shows no signs of dying down - but if we can get through a `` difficult '' Christmas , there could be good news ahead .
For Michael Gove , the resistance of Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to his city being put under a stricter local lockdown is `` posturing '' and `` political positioning '' .
Mr Gove said : `` I want to reach an agreement with the political leadership , I want them to put aside for a moment some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indulged in and I want them to work with us in order to ensure that we save lives and protect the NHS . ''
The row centres on Mr Burnham 's demand for more financial support before he and regional leaders will agree to the Greater Manchester being put under Tier 3 restrictions .
Contrary to some of the government 's rhetoric , resistance has come from regional MPs and council leaders from both Labour and their own party , including Conservative backbencher shop steward Sir Graham Brady .
The Chancellor of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down about as well as a recent call for action from 20 non-Mancunian Conservatives , which was described variously as `` deeply disappointing '' and `` neither wanted nor helpful '' by local Conservative MPs .
: : Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker There is one area where more money may yet be produced .
Mr Gove said the level of financial support for those told to isolate is `` always '' kept `` under review '' - and failed to rule @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delivered a categorical `` no '' to the idea of a two-week national `` circuit breaker '' lockdown as proposed by Labour - meaning the row over regional restrictions seems set to run and run .
Labour 's begrudging support for the government ( money permitting ) continued this week as Kate Green said extra restrictions were needed in Manchester - so long as the region got `` an extra package of support '' .
The shadow education secretary backed the call for a short national lockdown , but admitted Manchester faced `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` it 's important that measures are taken really swiftly '' .
Asked if that meant Tier 3 , she confirmed `` it 's a yes but my preference is that Labour 's call , as you know , is for a national circuit breaker because we think in the long run that will be more effective '' .
Vaccine in three to six months The idea of a quick lockdown was backed by SAGE member and Wellcome Trust director Sir Jeremy Farrar , who said `` it 's never too late '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this would have been around the 20 September as SAGE advised '' .
It was on vaccines that he had more cheering predictions though , saying the UK has a portfolio of vaccines and `` more than one , I 'm sure , will come through in the first quarter of next year '' .
The prediction that `` within three to six months we will start to have vaccines and treatments available '' will come as welcome relief , though it matches neatly with a more unhappy timeframe .
It 's fairly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for cold temperatures and disobedience aiding the virus , is a serious source of concern to the government - witness the recent dire warnings about students staying in their university halls over the festive season .
Sir Jeremy said : `` Christmas will be tough this year .
I do n't think Christmas is going to be the usual celebration it is and all families coming together , I 'm afraid .
I wish we could say it was but I think we have to be honest and say that we are in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very , very difficult period . ''
A much better chance of surviving Catching the virus is still a deeply alarming prospect for many ( though given the numbers of those complying with the rules , perhaps not as alarming as hoped ) and more good news came from Alison Pittard .
The dean of the Faculty of Intensive Medicine said `` there is no doubt '' that those who are hospitalised with the virus , especially those in intensive care , now have a `` much better chance of surviving '' than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She said a `` combination of things '' - including giving air to patients without using invasive ventilators , learning to treat patients earlier , and the fact that `` most intensive care units would have been back to their normal staffing ratio '' - meant `` we were better able to provide the same standard of care that we normally do '' .
There was a clear warning though , perhaps with an eye to the crowds in post-curfew streets , that `` although the majority of people still who become infected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ illness or may not even know that they are ill at all , for those people who require hospital admission , for those that come to intensive care , it is still a very severe disease '' .
For those who 've met people unpersuaded of the nature of the disease , she added : `` If you end up in critical care with COVID pneumonia , you are almost twice as likely to die than somebody who is admitted with pneumonia not due to COVID . ''
Hundreds of thousands of jobs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jobs '' are at risk without clarity from the government on coronavirus restrictions , according to the British Chamber of Commerce , which has written to the prime minister demanding more financial assistance for businesses under local lockdowns .
Director general Adam Marshall told the show : `` We hear from businesses all the time who say to us if I am closed down again , I will not reopen , with the consequences that that has for their employees because companies are n't like light switches , you ca n't simply switch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go back to normal as if nothing happened .
`` I think that message needs to get through more strongly to our political leaders . ''
The message was clear as Mr Marshall warned `` every additional restriction that comes in , every new local lockdown , means less demand in our businesses , more companies forced to shut their doors and , quite simply , not enough support for those who find themselves in difficult situations '' .
Brexit has been back this week with something of a vengeance , but with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as an `` Australian style deal '' ) likely hard to disentangle from coronavirus ( and Conservative MPs engaged in an entirely different argument with the government ) , it 's no longer drawing attention as it once did .
Michael Gove insisted on the show that the government was still pursuing a deal - but in keeping with the tough noises coming out of Downing Street , said the EU needed `` a change in approach '' and that the chances of a deal were markedly less than 66 % .

The second wave is spreading across the country, the fight over Greater Manchester's future shows no signs of dying down - but if we can get through a "difficult" Christmas, there could be good news ahead.
Posturing and positioning
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For Michael Gove, the resistance of Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to his city being put under a stricter local lockdown is "posturing" and "political positioning".
Mr Gove said: "I want to reach an agreement with the political leadership, I want them to put aside for a moment some of the political positioning that they've indulged in and I want them to work with us in order to ensure that we save lives and protect the NHS."
The row centres on Mr Burnham's demand for more financial support before he and regional leaders will agree to the Greater Manchester being put under Tier 3 restrictions.
Contrary to some of the government's rhetoric, resistance has come from regional MPs and council leaders from both Labour and their own party, including Conservative backbencher shop steward Sir Graham Brady.
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster's words may go down about as well as a recent call for action from 20 non-Mancunian Conservatives, which was described variously as "deeply disappointing" and "neither wanted nor helpful" by local Conservative MPs.
:: Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
There is one area where more money may yet be produced. Mr Gove said the level of financial support for those told to isolate is "always" kept "under review" - and failed to rule out an increase.
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But he also delivered a categorical "no" to the idea of a two-week national "circuit breaker" lockdown as proposed by Labour - meaning the row over regional restrictions seems set to run and run.
Labour support more Manchester restrictions
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Labour's begrudging support for the government (money permitting) continued this week as Kate Green said extra restrictions were needed in Manchester - so long as the region got "an extra package of support".
The shadow education secretary backed the call for a short national lockdown, but admitted Manchester faced "an absolute public health emergency" and "it's important that measures are taken really swiftly".
Asked if that meant Tier 3, she confirmed "it's a yes but my preference is that Labour's call, as you know, is for a national circuit breaker because we think in the long run that will be more effective".
Vaccine in three to six months
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The idea of a quick lockdown was backed by SAGE member and Wellcome Trust director Sir Jeremy Farrar, who said "it's never too late" but "the best time to do this would have been around the 20 September as SAGE advised".
It was on vaccines that he had more cheering predictions though, saying the UK has a portfolio of vaccines and "more than one, I'm sure, will come through in the first quarter of next year".
The prediction that "within three to six months we will start to have vaccines and treatments available" will come as welcome relief, though it matches neatly with a more unhappy timeframe.
It's fairly clear that winter, with its potential for cold temperatures and disobedience aiding the virus, is a serious source of concern to the government - witness the recent dire warnings about students staying in their university halls over the festive season.
Sir Jeremy said: "Christmas will be tough this year. I don't think Christmas is going to be the usual celebration it is and all families coming together, I'm afraid. I wish we could say it was but I think we have to be honest and say that we are in for three to six months of a very, very difficult period."
A much better chance of surviving
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Catching the virus is still a deeply alarming prospect for many (though given the numbers of those complying with the rules, perhaps not as alarming as hoped) and more good news came from Alison Pittard.
The dean of the Faculty of Intensive Medicine said "there is no doubt" that those who are hospitalised with the virus, especially those in intensive care, now have a "much better chance of surviving" than at the start of the year.
She said a "combination of things" - including giving air to patients without using invasive ventilators, learning to treat patients earlier, and the fact that "most intensive care units would have been back to their normal staffing ratio" - meant "we were better able to provide the same standard of care that we normally do".
There was a clear warning though, perhaps with an eye to the crowds in post-curfew streets, that "although the majority of people still who become infected will have a very, very minor illness or may not even know that they are ill at all, for those people who require hospital admission, for those that come to intensive care, it is still a very severe disease".
For those who've met people unpersuaded of the nature of the disease, she added: "If you end up in critical care with COVID pneumonia, you are almost twice as likely to die than somebody who is admitted with pneumonia not due to COVID."
Hundreds of thousands of jobs at risk
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"Hundreds of thousands of jobs" are at risk without clarity from the government on coronavirus restrictions, according to the British Chamber of Commerce, which has written to the prime minister demanding more financial assistance for businesses under local lockdowns.
Director general Adam Marshall told the show: "We hear from businesses all the time who say to us if I am closed down again, I will not reopen, with the consequences that that has for their employees because companies aren't like light switches, you can't simply switch them on and off repeatedly and they go back to normal as if nothing happened.
"I think that message needs to get through more strongly to our political leaders."
The message was clear as Mr Marshall warned "every additional restriction that comes in, every new local lockdown, means less demand in our businesses, more companies forced to shut their doors and, quite simply, not enough support for those who find themselves in difficult situations".
P.S.
Brexit has been back this week with something of a vengeance, but with economic damage from no deal (rebranded as an "Australian style deal") likely hard to disentangle from coronavirus (and Conservative MPs engaged in an entirely different argument with the government), it's no longer drawing attention as it once did.
Michael Gove insisted on the show that the government was still pursuing a deal - but in keeping with the tough noises coming out of Downing Street, said the EU needed "a change in approach" and that the chances of a deal were markedly less than 66%.


skynewspolitics--2020-10-19--Greater Manchester MP taken to hospital with coronavirus

Greater Manchester MP Yasmin Qureshi has been admitted to hospital with coronavirus .
The Labour shadow minister , who represents Bolton South East , started showing COVID-19 symptoms two weeks ago and self-isolated .
But she revealed that on Saturday she was taken to Royal Bolton Hospital with pneumonia , as a stand-off remains over new restrictions being placed on the region .
In a statement on Monday , Ms Qureshi said : `` Two weeks ago , I began to feel unwell .
I then tested positive for COVID-19 , so my family and I immediately self-isolated at home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Westminster or anywhere else .
`` I continued to work as best I could remotely , attending virtual meetings and doing casework , but after 10 days , I began to feel much worse and on Saturday I was admitted to the Royal Bolton Hospital with pneumonia .
`` I 'm being very well looked after and have nothing but praise and admiration for the wonderful staff at the hospital .
`` They have been amazing throughout the process and I would like to extend my thanks to everyone working here in such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Keir Starmer said his `` thoughts are with my friend '' Ms Qureshi and thanked medics caring for her as well as `` NHS staff across the country who are on the frontline against COVID-19 '' .
It comes as talks continue between local leaders and the government about putting Greater Manchester into Tier 3 - England 's highest coronavirus alert level .
The move is being resisted by figures such as mayor Andy Burnham , who says ministers also need to offer more financial support for workers and businesses who would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insisted a deal needs to be reached by the end of Tuesday or measures may have to be imposed by central government `` to protect the NHS and bear down on the virus '' .
Sky News has also learnt that some of the area 's 12 hospitals are running out of beds to treat patients with coronavirus .
Figures from the from the Greater Manchester Critical Care Network showed the Stepping Hill Hospital and the Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust were operating at full capacity .
Sir Keir has called for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heads into a second peak , with 16,982 new cases reported on Sunday and a further 67 deaths .
He suggested it could last two or three weeks and coincide with the October half-term , with people told to work from home and all mixing with other households banned , as well as pubs , bars and restaurants shut .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said a more targeted approach including local lockdowns should be used to avoid a second full national lockdown .
It emerged last week that government 's scientific advisers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 21 September for `` immediate introduction '' .

Greater Manchester MP Yasmin Qureshi has been admitted to hospital with coronavirus.
The Labour shadow minister, who represents Bolton South East, started showing COVID-19 symptoms two weeks ago and self-isolated.
But she revealed that on Saturday she was taken to Royal Bolton Hospital with pneumonia, as a stand-off remains over new restrictions being placed on the region.
Image: The deadlock remains over moving Greater Manchester to Tier 3
In a statement on Monday, Ms Qureshi said: "Two weeks ago, I began to feel unwell. I then tested positive for COVID-19, so my family and I immediately self-isolated at home.
"I have not travelled to Westminster or anywhere else.
Image: The MP is being treated at Royal Bolton Hospital
"I continued to work as best I could remotely, attending virtual meetings and doing casework, but after 10 days, I began to feel much worse and on Saturday I was admitted to the Royal Bolton Hospital with pneumonia.
"I'm being very well looked after and have nothing but praise and admiration for the wonderful staff at the hospital.
"They have been amazing throughout the process and I would like to extend my thanks to everyone working here in such difficult circumstances."
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said his "thoughts are with my friend" Ms Qureshi and thanked medics caring for her as well as "NHS staff across the country who are on the frontline against COVID-19".
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It comes as talks continue between local leaders and the government about putting Greater Manchester into Tier 3 - England's highest coronavirus alert level.
The move is being resisted by figures such as mayor Andy Burnham, who says ministers also need to offer more financial support for workers and businesses who would be affected.
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick has insisted a deal needs to be reached by the end of Tuesday or measures may have to be imposed by central government "to protect the NHS and bear down on the virus".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:50 'I'm not going to roll over at the sight of a cheque'
Sky News has also learnt that some of the area's 12 hospitals are running out of beds to treat patients with coronavirus.
Figures from the from the Greater Manchester Critical Care Network showed the Stepping Hill Hospital and the Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust were operating at full capacity.
Sir Keir has called for a "circuit breaker" as the UK heads into a second peak, with 16,982 new cases reported on Sunday and a further 67 deaths.
He suggested it could last two or three weeks and coincide with the October half-term, with people told to work from home and all mixing with other households banned, as well as pubs, bars and restaurants shut.
Image: Another 16,982 people tested positive for coronavirus in Sunday's figures
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said a more targeted approach including local lockdowns should be used to avoid a second full national lockdown.
It emerged last week that government's scientific advisers SAGE had recommended a circuit breaker on 21 September for "immediate introduction".
Watch and follow 'Postcode Lockdown: A Divided Nation' on Sky News from 9pm on Monday, as it examines which strategy is best for Britain


skynewspolitics--2020-10-18--'It's not about the size of the cheque': Burnham resists Tier 3 for Manchester

Stalemate seems to remain in negotiations about tougher restrictions for Greater Manchester , as hospitals in the region run low on beds to treat coronavirus patients .
Mayor Andy Burnham told Sky News he is `` not just going to roll over at the sight of a cheque '' but said he was holding out for the government to pledge more help for workers and firms who would be affected by a move to Tier 3 .
Talks have been going on for several days - and broke out into acrimony at the end of last week - but they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minister put pressure on Mr Burnham and other local leaders to accept the area needs to move into England 's highest band of measures to stem the spread of COVID-19 .
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick told Sky News ' Kay Burley a deal needs to be struck by the end of Tuesday or the government could step in and impose the restrictions unilaterally .
Meanwhile , data from the Greater Manchester Critical Care Network ( GMCCN ) suggested some of the region 's 12 hospitals were running out of space on Friday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust were operating at full capacity .
It also showed the Royal Bolton Hospital was running at 94 % capacity The figures show hospitals across Greater Manchester are operating at an average of 82 % capacity .
The NHS said in a statement : `` We are monitoring the situation with our hospital admissions , overall beds and ITU beds very , very closely .
`` It 's not unusual for 80 % to 85 % of ICU beds to be in use at this time of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there are particular pressures in any one area , to ensure the best care for patients who need the high level of support ICU provides , both for COVID and for other reasons . ''
A source at the GMCCN told Sky News the NHS usually say they 're `` at capacity '' when they hit 85 % , not 100 % of beds filled .
A spokesperson for the NHS in the North West has said : `` Coronavirus cases are rising and it is obviously a serious situation so it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ control the virus . ''
And Downing Street said on Monday cases among the over 60s in Manchester `` continue to rise '' , warning if no action is taken intensive care unit capacity will be full of COVID patients by 8 November , and surge capacity full four days later .
The figures emerged after Mr Burnham accused Boris Johnson of exaggerating the severity of the crisis in the region .
But there were reports of progress , with The Times saying the prime minister is ready to offer `` tens of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a revolt , while The Telegraph says it is more like £100m .
Mr Burnham had written to Mr Johnson and other party leaders proposing a Commons debate and vote to `` break the impasse '' and establish a cross-party consensus on financial aid for Tier 3 areas .
Mr Jenrick suggested a deal was within reach , and claimed `` the contours of an agreement are there '' .
And he hinted parts of South and West Yorkshire could also be placed into the highest band of restrictions in England , telling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same issues '' with local politicians there .
In total , the UK recorded another 16,171 positive cases on Sunday and a further 150 COVID-related deaths .
That brings the total number of deaths to 43,579 .
But separate figures from the UK 's statistic agencies suggest up to 58,500 people have died with the virus mentioned on their death certificate .
Tensions were raised over the weekend , when Mr Burnham disputed a claim by Mr Johnson on Friday , when he said the coronavirus outbreak in Manchester was `` grave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last nine days .
The Greater Manchester mayor said in a Sunday TV interview : `` I think it was an exaggeration of the position that we 're in .
Of course it 's a matter of concern , and we watch the figures very closely indeed .
`` But the figures have been falling in Manchester itself in the last few days , across Greater Manchester up slightly but certainly not doubling every nine days . ''
Though that led to Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove accusing Mr Burnham of `` posturing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Significantly , Mr Burnham 's demands for more cash are being backed by Sir Graham Brady , MP for Altrincham and Sale West and chairman of the Conservative backbench 1922 Committee .
But cracks began to appear in Tory backing for Mr Burnham when five Conservative MPs from Greater Manchester wrote to him urging him to do a deal `` around the negotiating table and not via loud-hailer '' .
On Monday morning , Mr Burnham said `` nothing 's changed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He told Sky News : `` We 've always said we 'll put people 's health first and we will do that , but health is about more than controlling the virus . ''
Elsewhere , Wales is expected to announce a `` fire break '' lockdown to curb the rate of infection .
If it gets the green light it will begin on Friday and last for 17 days , a leaked document claimed last week .
In Ireland , the cabinet is meeting to make a final decision on whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - equivalent to England 's Tier 3 - as part of a six-week lockdown , after its National Public Health Emergency Team recommended harsher restrictions .
It is understood that a middle ground between Level 4 and Level 5 is a probable scenario for the coming weeks .
Watch and follow 'Postcode Lockdown : A Divided Nation ' on Sky News from 9pm on Monday , as it examines which strategy is best for Britain


skynewspolitics--2020-10-19--Home secretary considers calls for a public inquiry into Birmingham pub bombings

Campaigners have welcomed the home secretary 's decision to look into their calls for a public inquiry into the 1974 Birmingham pub bombings .
Following a meeting with the mayor of West Midlands , Andy Street , Priti Patel said she would meet the victims ' families and take official advice before making any decision .
In April 2019 , an inquest jury found a botched IRA warning call led to the deaths of 21 people unlawfully killed in the atrocity on 21 November 1974 .
Two bombs planted in the Mulberry Bush and Tavern in the Town pubs also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mayor Mr Street , a long-time supporter of the Justice for the 21 campaign , said he had met with the home secretary to discuss the families ' calls for a public inquiry , and how 46 years on the case remains the largest unsolved murder in recent British history .
Mr Street said : `` Whilst this is not a firm commitment , it is a step towards securing a public inquiry and ultimately justice for the 21 murdered that night and their families .
`` I want to thank the home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this grave injustice , and for then agreeing to look into the case for a public inquiry .
`` I am firmly of the belief that the only way to achieve justice now is through an open , panel-led public inquiry , and I will continue to make the case alongside the Justice for the 21 campaign .
`` The families , and the city of Birmingham , need closure . ''
Mr Street added : `` The home secretary was clear that she was keen to meet with some of the victims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first-hand the impact the lack of justice was having , and the importance of this campaign to everyone in Birmingham and across the region .
`` I know this will be welcome news for the families , and we look forward to her visit to the West Midlands . ''
In a statement , Ms Patel said : `` My sympathy remains with all those affected by these awful events 46 years ago .
`` And I recognise the desire of the victims ' families and the wider community to see those responsible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ welcome the opportunity to meet some of the families so that I can take their views into account , together with official advice , before making any decision . ''
Julie Hambleton , who lost her sister Maxine in the pub bombings , and is a member of Justice for the 21 , said : `` We welcome this opportunity to discuss the need for a statutory inquiry into the Birmingham Pub Bombings 1974 with the home secretary . ''
Mr Street first called for a public inquiry into the bombings on the @ @ @ @ @

Campaigners have welcomed the home secretary's decision to look into their calls for a public inquiry into the 1974 Birmingham pub bombings.
Following a meeting with the mayor of West Midlands, Andy Street, Priti Patel said she would meet the victims' families and take official advice before making any decision.
In April 2019, an inquest jury found a botched IRA warning call led to the deaths of 21 people unlawfully killed in the atrocity on 21 November 1974.
Two bombs planted in the Mulberry Bush and Tavern in the Town pubs also injured up to 220 others.
Image: The Tavern in the Town pub was also targeted in the bomb attack
Conservative mayor Mr Street, a long-time supporter of the Justice for the 21 campaign, said he had met with the home secretary to discuss the families' calls for a public inquiry, and how 46 years on the case remains the largest unsolved murder in recent British history.
Mr Street said: "Whilst this is not a firm commitment, it is a step towards securing a public inquiry and ultimately justice for the 21 murdered that night and their families.
"I want to thank the home secretary for taking the meeting to discuss this grave injustice, and for then agreeing to look into the case for a public inquiry.
"I am firmly of the belief that the only way to achieve justice now is through an open, panel-led public inquiry, and I will continue to make the case alongside the Justice for the 21 campaign.
"The families, and the city of Birmingham, need closure."
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Image: Home Secretary Priti Patel will meet the victims' families
Mr Street added: "The home secretary was clear that she was keen to meet with some of the victims' families so that she could understand first-hand the impact the lack of justice was having, and the importance of this campaign to everyone in Birmingham and across the region.
"I know this will be welcome news for the families, and we look forward to her visit to the West Midlands."
In a statement, Ms Patel said: "My sympathy remains with all those affected by these awful events 46 years ago.
"And I recognise the desire of the victims' families and the wider community to see those responsible brought to justice. So I would welcome the opportunity to meet some of the families so that I can take their views into account, together with official advice, before making any decision."
Julie Hambleton, who lost her sister Maxine in the pub bombings, and is a member of Justice for the 21, said: "We welcome this opportunity to discuss the need for a statutory inquiry into the Birmingham Pub Bombings 1974 with the home secretary."
Mr Street first called for a public inquiry into the bombings on the 45th anniversary last November.