skynewspolitics--2020-06-01--New Westminster rules will make us 'look like the stupidest parliament in the world'

MPs will return to parliament in person today , despite a growing rebellion over plans for voting to take place in queues up to a kilometre long .
For several weeks , MPs have been able to vote electronically and join debates by video link , under virtual House of Commons arrangements , which have now come to an end .
Only 50 MPs can sit in the Commons while maintaining a two-metre distance from each other ; but ministers insist all MPs who can safely return must now do so .
If the government 's plans are agreed this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Westminster to debate and vote in person while following social distancing rules .
It raises the prospect of parliamentarians forming a queue a kilometre long snaking through the building .
Former Labour minister Chris Bryant said : `` It will be like queuing for the Eiffel Tower .
We 'll look like the stupidest parliament in the world . ''
The Electoral Reform Society has branded the plans `` beyond a farce '' which would discriminate against MPs who can not attend in person for health reasons .
: : Listen to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Several senior Tories have backed amendments calling for remote voting and virtual attendance to continue for those MPs prevented from attending due to coronavirus .
Conservative MP Robert Halfon , who is in the shielding category and advised to stay at home , has called the proposals `` absolutely not right and democratically unjust '' .
Mr Halfon , who is expected to make the journey to Westminster to vote tomorrow , said it was right for MPs who could do so to return , but that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for family members would become `` parliamentary eunuchs '' .
Leader of the House Jacob Rees-Mogg has said the `` hybrid '' arrangements , which have been in place since April whereby 50 MPs attend in person , and the rest participate online , are `` no longer necessary '' .
`` Politics is better done face-to-face , even if the whites of the ministerial eyes are six feet away '' , he wrote in the political magazine The House , yesterday .
`` In the chamber frontbenchers will have to keep on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made possible .
This exceptional aspect of British democracy , curtailed under the hybrid halfway house , can once again flourish . ''
It is expected around 400 MPs will return to Westminster , leaving up to 250 unable to because they are shielding , vulnerable due to being over 70 , pregnant , or with a health condition , or caring for others .
A Conservative former cabinet minister , speaking anonymously , told Sky News the `` ridiculous '' plan had attracted `` a lot of opposition in the party '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get it through .
They said : `` It makes no sense to me , to disenfranchise people and their communities on the grounds of health .
`` The government are burning up a lot of capital here , especially after Cummings .
MPs ca n't even go to the chamber in greater numbers , they would just sit in their offices and then queue for hours to vote , when they could do it in seconds online . ''
Downing Street said the return of MPs is necessary in order to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ source said talks with all sides were ongoing .
But many MPs suspect the government is worried about being unable to successfully whip controversial votes if MPs are not physically present .
Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle sent guidance to MPs last night on how today 's proceedings would work .
They will not enter the traditional division lobbies , where MPs typically crowd in , but queue at two-metre intervals outside the chamber to vote , along an agreed route .
In rehearsals , he said this had taken around half an hour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last week that he was `` very , very worried about somebody coming in who may be infected and before we know it , that has been passed around '' .
In a statement last night , Sir Lindsay said : `` As remote voting has lapsed and Public Health England have deemed our Division lobbies unsafe , I have had to devise a temporary way forward to break the deadlock - because the House must be able to have its say .
`` It is not perfect , it will take time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patient .
But , it is the safest method I can think of to enable Members and supporting staff to maintain social distancing . ''
Opposition parties are up in arms about the decision .
They also say it is not safe to have MPs commuting from Westminster to their constituencies every week .
Shadow leader of the Commons Valerie Vaz said : `` Jacob Rees-Mogg 's discriminatory proposals would result in two classes of MPs .
`` The abolition of the hybrid remote parliament which allowed all MPs to take part regardless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would not be acceptable in any other workplace . ''
The Prime Minister 's official spokesman has said MPs who need to shield `` should continue to do so '' and that pairing - whereby an MP from the opposing side also sits out the vote - would allow this to be done fairly .
The House of Lords , meanwhile , is developing a new online voting system for peers expected to be ready by the middle of the month .
This week from today to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
And you can take part too .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

MPs will return to parliament in person today, despite a growing rebellion over plans for voting to take place in queues up to a kilometre long.
For several weeks, MPs have been able to vote electronically and join debates by video link, under virtual House of Commons arrangements, which have now come to an end.
Only 50 MPs can sit in the Commons while maintaining a two-metre distance from each other; but ministers insist all MPs who can safely return must now do so.
If the government's plans are agreed this afternoon, MPs would have to travel to Westminster to debate and vote in person while following social distancing rules. It raises the prospect of parliamentarians forming a queue a kilometre long snaking through the building.
Former Labour minister Chris Bryant said: "It will be like queuing for the Eiffel Tower. We'll look like the stupidest parliament in the world."
The Electoral Reform Society has branded the plans "beyond a farce" which would discriminate against MPs who cannot attend in person for health reasons.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Several senior Tories have backed amendments calling for remote voting and virtual attendance to continue for those MPs prevented from attending due to coronavirus.
Conservative MP Robert Halfon, who is in the shielding category and advised to stay at home, has called the proposals "absolutely not right and democratically unjust".
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Mr Halfon, who is expected to make the journey to Westminster to vote tomorrow, said it was right for MPs who could do so to return, but that those who were sick themselves or caring for family members would become "parliamentary eunuchs".
Leader of the House Jacob Rees-Mogg has said the "hybrid" arrangements, which have been in place since April whereby 50 MPs attend in person, and the rest participate online, are "no longer necessary".
"Politics is better done face-to-face, even if the whites of the ministerial eyes are six feet away", he wrote in the political magazine The House, yesterday.
"In the chamber frontbenchers will have to keep on their toes as interventions are once again made possible. This exceptional aspect of British democracy, curtailed under the hybrid halfway house, can once again flourish."
It is expected around 400 MPs will return to Westminster, leaving up to 250 unable to because they are shielding, vulnerable due to being over 70, pregnant, or with a health condition, or caring for others.
A Conservative former cabinet minister, speaking anonymously, told Sky News the "ridiculous" plan had attracted "a lot of opposition in the party" - but the government would most likely get it through. They said: "It makes no sense to me, to disenfranchise people and their communities on the grounds of health.
"The government are burning up a lot of capital here, especially after Cummings. MPs can't even go to the chamber in greater numbers, they would just sit in their offices and then queue for hours to vote, when they could do it in seconds online."
Downing Street said the return of MPs is necessary in order to make progress with legislation. A senior government source said talks with all sides were ongoing.
But many MPs suspect the government is worried about being unable to successfully whip controversial votes if MPs are not physically present.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:43 Lockdown is being eased cautiously, says Hancock
Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle sent guidance to MPs last night on how today's proceedings would work. They will not enter the traditional division lobbies, where MPs typically crowd in, but queue at two-metre intervals outside the chamber to vote, along an agreed route.
In rehearsals, he said this had taken around half an hour. Sir Lindsay said in an interview last week that he was "very, very worried about somebody coming in who may be infected and before we know it, that has been passed around".
In a statement last night, Sir Lindsay said: "As remote voting has lapsed and Public Health England have deemed our Division lobbies unsafe, I have had to devise a temporary way forward to break the deadlock - because the House must be able to have its say.
"It is not perfect, it will take time, and Members will need to be patient. But, it is the safest method I can think of to enable Members and supporting staff to maintain social distancing."
Opposition parties are up in arms about the decision. They also say it is not safe to have MPs commuting from Westminster to their constituencies every week.
Shadow leader of the Commons Valerie Vaz said: "Jacob Rees-Mogg's discriminatory proposals would result in two classes of MPs.
"The abolition of the hybrid remote parliament which allowed all MPs to take part regardless of their personal circumstances is discriminatory and would not be acceptable in any other workplace."
The Prime Minister's official spokesman has said MPs who need to shield "should continue to do so" and that pairing - whereby an MP from the opposing side also sits out the vote - would allow this to be done fairly.
The House of Lords, meanwhile, is developing a new online voting system for peers expected to be ready by the middle of the month.
This week from today to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After The Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too.
If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


skynewspolitics--2020-06-02--Summer holidays back on? Quarantine-free air bridges could be in place 'by end of June'

Air bridges between Britain and some countries with low infection rates could be in place by the end of the month enabling people to travel without having to spend two weeks self-isolating on their return .
Current plans mean all international arrivals - apart from people carrying out a limited number of specified roles - would need to quarantine for 14 days from Monday .
The plan has been criticised by travel and hospitality businesses , and ministers are understood to be considering introducing air bridges when the policy is reviewed three weeks after it comes into force .
Agreements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries before any policy could be introduced .
According to The Daily Telegraph , the prime minister is `` personally in favour '' of the idea .
Further details of the quarantine proposal are expected to be laid before parliament later .
Housing minister Simon Clarke would not `` speculate '' on suggestions some destinations could be exempt from the quarantine rules .
`` We all want to be able to get foreign holidays back on the table as soon as it 's safe to do so , but I ca n't speculate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he told Sky News ' Kay Burley @ Breakfast show .
`` The policy is clear : a two-week quarantine effective as of Monday 8 June . ''
Defending the quarantine proposals , Mr Clarke added : `` We 've got case numbers coming down substantially now in the UK and we do n't want to import new risk , new cases from abroad at this very sensitive and delicate stage . ''
But he stressed the government does n't want the measures to `` be in place longer than is necessary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it on a three-weekly basis and hopefully we can transition out of it as quickly as possible as the numbers continue to come down , '' Mr Clarke said .
`` But I think many of the public want to know we 're taking robust action to stop new cases coming into the UK after all the sacrifices they 've mades since March . ''
It comes as MPs return to Westminster after the government dropped virtual proceedings , despite concerns that shielding politicians will be unable to attend .
The government has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virtual voting that allowed MPs to have their say from afar during the pandemic , but opposition parties are seeking to retain it .
Meanwhile , Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said the contact-tracing system was `` up and running '' and was `` successful '' following reports of problems with technology and staff saying they were being paid up to £27.75 per hour for doing nothing .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Asked during Monday 's daily media briefing why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Hancock said 25,000 had been hired and it was a good thing there were so many .
He said : `` It 's successful , I 'm very glad to report that those who are asked to isolate by the contact tracers are expressing the willingness to do so and we track that very carefully .
`` The level of incidence of disease has come down and so actually we have more capacity than we need , this is a good thing . ''
Professor John Newton , the government 's testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well , adding : `` We do have a lot of capacity . ''
This week from today to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
And you can take part too .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

Air bridges between Britain and some countries with low infection rates could be in place by the end of the month enabling people to travel without having to spend two weeks self-isolating on their return.
Current plans mean all international arrivals - apart from people carrying out a limited number of specified roles - would need to quarantine for 14 days from Monday.
The plan has been criticised by travel and hospitality businesses, and ministers are understood to be considering introducing air bridges when the policy is reviewed three weeks after it comes into force.
Agreements would need to be reached with other countries before any policy could be introduced.
According to The Daily Telegraph, the prime minister is "personally in favour" of the idea.
Further details of the quarantine proposal are expected to be laid before parliament later.
Housing minister Simon Clarke would not "speculate" on suggestions some destinations could be exempt from the quarantine rules.
"We all want to be able to get foreign holidays back on the table as soon as it's safe to do so, but I can't speculate on policy questions of that nature," he told Sky News' Kay Burley @ Breakfast show.
"The policy is clear: a two-week quarantine effective as of Monday 8 June."
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Defending the quarantine proposals, Mr Clarke added: "We've got case numbers coming down substantially now in the UK and we don't want to import new risk, new cases from abroad at this very sensitive and delicate stage."
But he stressed the government doesn't want the measures to "be in place longer than is necessary".
"We will be reviewing it on a three-weekly basis and hopefully we can transition out of it as quickly as possible as the numbers continue to come down," Mr Clarke said.
"But I think many of the public want to know we're taking robust action to stop new cases coming into the UK after all the sacrifices they've mades since March."
It comes as MPs return to Westminster after the government dropped virtual proceedings, despite concerns that shielding politicians will be unable to attend.
The government has tabled a motion preventing the resumption of virtual voting that allowed MPs to have their say from afar during the pandemic, but opposition parties are seeking to retain it.
Meanwhile, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said the contact-tracing system was "up and running" and was "successful" following reports of problems with technology and staff saying they were being paid up to £27.75 per hour for doing nothing.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Asked during Monday's daily media briefing why some contact tracers had no work, Mr Hancock said 25,000 had been hired and it was a good thing there were so many.
He said: "It's successful, I'm very glad to report that those who are asked to isolate by the contact tracers are expressing the willingness to do so and we track that very carefully.
"The level of incidence of disease has come down and so actually we have more capacity than we need, this is a good thing."
Professor John Newton, the government's testing coordinator, said the system was working well, adding: "We do have a lot of capacity."
This week from today to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too.
If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


skynewspolitics--2020-06-02--UK testing figures 'far from complete' and have 'limited value'

The government 's figures for coronavirus tests are `` far from complete '' and have `` limited value '' in showing how many people are infected with COVID-19 , according to the UK 's official statistics watchdog .
In scathing criticism by the UK Statistics Authority , Health Secretary Matt Hancock has been accused of attempting to show the `` largest possible number of tests , even at the expense of understanding '' .
The government has reached its targets for conducting 100,000 COVID-19 tests per day by the end of April and having the capacity for 200,000 tests of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But , in a letter from UK Statistics Authority chair Sir David Norgrove , Mr Hancock has been told the figures on coronavirus tests are `` still far from complete and comprehensible '' .
Sir David told Mr Hancock that `` the way the data are analysed and presented currently gives them limited value '' in helping to understand the epidemic and revealing how many people are infected , or not , and their relevant characteristics .
`` The aim seems to be to show the largest possible number of tests , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he wrote .
`` It is also hard to believe the statistics work to support the testing programme itself . ''
Sir David welcomed Mr Hancock 's recent correspondence with the watchdog over coronavirus data , but added : `` The testing statistics still fall well short of its expectations .
`` It is not surprising that given their inadequacy , data on testing are so widely criticised and often mistrusted . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Questions have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daily figures have - in recent days - omitted figures for how many people are being tested .
Instead , only the number of daily tests have been published .
In a list of issues raised with Mr Hancock , Sir David highlighted how the headline total of tests adds together those tests carried out with those tests posted out to people at home , whether they are successfully completed or not .
He also said it is not clear how often people are tested more than once and therefore counted as multiple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing data to include key characteristics of those individuals being tested , such as whether they are medical or care staff , their age , sex and location .
With the government having launched its `` test and trace '' programme to continue to suppress coronavirus infections as lockdown measures are eased - with the possibility of local lockdowns if there are regional flare-ups - Sir David added : `` The statistics will need to be capable of being related to the wider testing data and readily understood by the public , through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
`` I do understand the pressures that those concerned have faced and still face , '' his letter continued .
`` But I am sure you would agree that good evidence , trusted by the public , is essential to success in containing the virus . ''
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said : `` The secretary of state has spoken to Sir David and reiterated the department 's commitment to continuing to work closely with the UKSA to address their concerns .
`` We have sought to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response to coronavirus to ensure statistics , which are prepared in very challenging circumstances , are presented in the best way possible .
`` Our approach throughout has been to increase transparency around the government 's response to coronavirus . ''
This week from today to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ science and technology .
And you can take part too .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

The government's figures for coronavirus tests are "far from complete" and have "limited value" in showing how many people are infected with COVID-19, according to the UK's official statistics watchdog.
In scathing criticism by the UK Statistics Authority, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has been accused of attempting to show the "largest possible number of tests, even at the expense of understanding".
The government has reached its targets for conducting 100,000 COVID-19 tests per day by the end of April and having the capacity for 200,000 tests of various kinds by the end of May.
Image: Health Secretary Matt Hancock receieved a scathing letter from the UK Statistics Authority
But, in a letter from UK Statistics Authority chair Sir David Norgrove, Mr Hancock has been told the figures on coronavirus tests are "still far from complete and comprehensible".
Sir David told Mr Hancock that "the way the data are analysed and presented currently gives them limited value" in helping to understand the epidemic and revealing how many people are infected, or not, and their relevant characteristics.
"The aim seems to be to show the largest possible number of tests, even at the expense of understanding," he wrote.
"It is also hard to believe the statistics work to support the testing programme itself."
Sir David welcomed Mr Hancock's recent correspondence with the watchdog over coronavirus data, but added: "The testing statistics still fall well short of its expectations.
"It is not surprising that given their inadequacy, data on testing are so widely criticised and often mistrusted."
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Questions have been asked about why the government's daily figures have - in recent days - omitted figures for how many people are being tested.
Instead, only the number of daily tests have been published.
In a list of issues raised with Mr Hancock, Sir David highlighted how the headline total of tests adds together those tests carried out with those tests posted out to people at home, whether they are successfully completed or not.
He also said it is not clear how often people are tested more than once and therefore counted as multiple tests.
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Sir David also called for testing data to include key characteristics of those individuals being tested, such as whether they are medical or care staff, their age, sex and location.
With the government having launched its "test and trace" programme to continue to suppress coronavirus infections as lockdown measures are eased - with the possibility of local lockdowns if there are regional flare-ups - Sir David added: "The statistics will need to be capable of being related to the wider testing data and readily understood by the public, through for example population adjusted maps of hotspots."
"I do understand the pressures that those concerned have faced and still face," his letter continued.
"But I am sure you would agree that good evidence, trusted by the public, is essential to success in containing the virus."
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: "The secretary of state has spoken to Sir David and reiterated the department's commitment to continuing to work closely with the UKSA to address their concerns.
"We have sought to work closely with the UKSA throughout our response to coronavirus to ensure statistics, which are prepared in very challenging circumstances, are presented in the best way possible.
"Our approach throughout has been to increase transparency around the government's response to coronavirus."
This week from today to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too.
If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


skynewspolitics--2020-06-02--'Much more work to be done': Minister pledges action on BAME coronavirus deaths

`` Much more work needs to be done '' to understand the impact of the coronavirus on black , Asian and minority ethnic ( BAME ) communities , a minister has admitted .
Speaking at the daily COVID-19 briefing , Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he had been `` really struck '' by the `` clear difference '' in the proportion of people dying with coronavirus who are from ethnic minority backgrounds .
`` I totally understand the concerns that people have and I understand the anger that people feel about racial injustice more broadly , '' he said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The health secretary added : `` I share it [ the anger ] and we want to tackle it .
I fully acknowledge that and it is very very important that we address that . ''
Mr Hancock was speaking after the release of a report from Public Health England which said that BAME individuals are up to twice as likely to die with the virus than those from a white British background .
The report showed that , after accounting for the effect of sex , age , deprivation and region @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have around twice the risk of death .
Chinese , Indian , Pakistani , other Asian , Caribbean and other black ethnicities had between a 10 % and 50 % greater risk of dying .
The highest diagnosis rate per 100,000 population was in black ethnic groups ( 486 in females and 649 in males ) and the lowest in white ethnic groups ( 220 in females and 224 in males ) .
The health secretary said `` there 's much more work that needs to be done and this report shows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minister Kemi Badenoch has been asked to carry out further work on the issue in response to the PHE report .
He added that the government would be looking at `` what is driving these disparities and how the different risk factors interact '' with ethnicity - such as age , gender and occupation - and what more could be done .
Mr Hancock said the link between ethnicity and the occupations that people do `` is an important part of this conundrum '' , adding that more work was needed to find @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and above '' the impact of being in frontline jobs and living in urban areas .
Ministers have been criticised for failing to offer specific recommendations for BAME communities to help protect themselves .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Critics have also said that the PHE report restated what is already widely known about the effect of COVID-19 on those from ethnic minorities .
Labour 's shadow women and equalities secretary Marsha de Cordova said : `` This review confirms what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health inequalities amplify the risks of COVID-19 . ''
She added : `` But when it comes to the question of how we reduce these disparities , it is notably silent .
It presents no recommendations .
Having the information is a start - but now is the time for action . ''
Asked what he would say to people from BAME communities worried about the risk from coronavirus , Mr Hancock said : `` The number one thing I 'd say is that for anybody in a higher risk group , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to follow the social distancing guidelines , including the work on social distancing at work that has been published .
`` For all of the different high risk categories that the data demonstrates , it 's really important that people follow those social distancing guidelines very stringently .
`` We 've been very clear about this from the start about those who either have a medical condition and as the PHE report says , age is the number one risk factor .
Around 90 % of deaths are of the over 65s .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the same as to everybody , but with more emphasis .
`` Social distancing is the best way to keep yourself safe and keep others safe , alongside the hygiene and washing your hands and making sure that if you have symptoms , get a test . ''
The health secretary said he understood the `` yearning '' for specific measures , saying `` we will put action in place as soon as we can '' .
`` We wo n't wait for a report - I 've got to talk to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but I totally understand the urgency , the importance and the sensitivity of getting this right , '' Mr Hancock said .
This week until Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
And you can take part too .
If you 'd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

"Much more work needs to be done" to understand the impact of the coronavirus on black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities, a minister has admitted.
Speaking at the daily COVID-19 briefing, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he had been "really struck" by the "clear difference" in the proportion of people dying with coronavirus who are from ethnic minority backgrounds.
"I totally understand the concerns that people have and I understand the anger that people feel about racial injustice more broadly," he said, declaring: "Black lives matter."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:33 PHE disparity review is 'damp squib'
The health secretary added: "I share it [the anger] and we want to tackle it. I fully acknowledge that and it is very very important that we address that."
Mr Hancock was speaking after the release of a report from Public Health England which said that BAME individuals are up to twice as likely to die with the virus than those from a white British background.
The report showed that, after accounting for the effect of sex, age, deprivation and region, people of Bangladeshi ethnicity were found to have around twice the risk of death.
Chinese, Indian, Pakistani, other Asian, Caribbean and other black ethnicities had between a 10% and 50% greater risk of dying.
The highest diagnosis rate per 100,000 population was in black ethnic groups (486 in females and 649 in males) and the lowest in white ethnic groups (220 in females and 224 in males).
The health secretary said "there's much more work that needs to be done and this report shows that".
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:41 How hospitals are protecting BAME staff
Mr Hancock said equalities minister Kemi Badenoch has been asked to carry out further work on the issue in response to the PHE report.
He added that the government would be looking at "what is driving these disparities and how the different risk factors interact" with ethnicity - such as age, gender and occupation - and what more could be done.
Mr Hancock said the link between ethnicity and the occupations that people do "is an important part of this conundrum", adding that more work was needed to find out what factors there were "over and above" the impact of being in frontline jobs and living in urban areas.
Ministers have been criticised for failing to offer specific recommendations for BAME communities to help protect themselves.
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Critics have also said that the PHE report restated what is already widely known about the effect of COVID-19 on those from ethnic minorities.
Labour's shadow women and equalities secretary Marsha de Cordova said: "This review confirms what we already knew - that racial and health inequalities amplify the risks of COVID-19."
She added: "But when it comes to the question of how we reduce these disparities, it is notably silent. It presents no recommendations. Having the information is a start - but now is the time for action."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:36 Figures show lowest levels of excess deaths
Asked what he would say to people from BAME communities worried about the risk from coronavirus, Mr Hancock said: "The number one thing I'd say is that for anybody in a higher risk group, the most important thing to do is stringently to follow the social distancing guidelines, including the work on social distancing at work that has been published.
"For all of the different high risk categories that the data demonstrates, it's really important that people follow those social distancing guidelines very stringently.
"We've been very clear about this from the start about those who either have a medical condition and as the PHE report says, age is the number one risk factor. Around 90% of deaths are of the over 65s.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:34 Schools reopen, but many children stay home
"The direct answer to the question is the same as to everybody, but with more emphasis.
"Social distancing is the best way to keep yourself safe and keep others safe, alongside the hygiene and washing your hands and making sure that if you have symptoms, get a test."
The health secretary said he understood the "yearning" for specific measures, saying "we will put action in place as soon as we can".
"We won't wait for a report - I've got to talk to Kemi about a timeline for it... but I totally understand the urgency, the importance and the sensitivity of getting this right," Mr Hancock said.
This week until Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too.
If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


skynewspolitics--2020-06-02--'Tarzan-like mentality' behind government ending remote voting

A senior Conservative MP has told Sky News that a `` Tarzan-like mentality '' is behind the government 's controversial scrapping of online voting for MPs , as Boris Johnson survived a Tory revolt on the issue .
Leader of the House of Commons Jacob Rees-Mogg on Tuesday introduced plans for MPs to no longer be able to vote remotely , as they did last month .
Instead , in order to take part in votes , the government is demanding MPs now be physically present in parliament , albeit votes will take place in a way consistent with social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the issue on Tuesday afternoon , in scenes that saw a long line of MPs snake through the parliamentary estate .
Sky News ' chief political correspondent Jon Craig even directed Chancellor Rishi Sunak to where he was supposed to be queuing to vote in order to maintain social distancing rules .
A number of parliamentarians voiced their disquiet , describing the votes as a `` farce '' , `` absurd '' and `` completely unsafe '' , while experts said it may have put them at risk of catching COVID-19 .
Conservative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Rees-Mogg was insisting that parliament `` goes back to the 18th century '' Mr Rees-Mogg pushed ahead with the plans despite protests from MPs who are shielding during the coronavirus crisis .
However , he did announce a partial climbdown by announcing a fresh government motion , to be tabled on Wednesday , which would allow MPs unable to attend on medical grounds to take part in certain Commons proceedings .
The government had previously intended to end the `` hybrid '' system that allowed MPs to join debates remotely via the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ led to concerns from the Equalities and Human Rights Commission .
The government 's plans were approved by 261 votes to 163 - a majority of 98 .
An amendment to allow a return to remote voting was defeated by 185 votes to 242 , a majority of 57 , after a 46-minute division .
According to the division list , 31 Conservative MPs rebelled to support the amendment .
Senior Conservative Robert Halfon , who is among those MPs shielding themselves due to COVID-19 , expressed his anger at the government ending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MPs such as Mr Halfon will be able to make use of the informal `` pairing '' system during Commons votes .
But Mr Halfon called for the government to allow shielding MPs to be granted proxy votes , as are allowed for MPs on maternity leave .
`` It is wrong and morally unjust to then say to those MPs : 'You are disenfranchised , we are going to snip away at your parliamentary rights and turn you into parliamentary eunuchs . '
, '' he told Sky News .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attitude that COVID-19 is the sniffles and , if you ca n't come in , 'tough luck , we do n't care , you ca n't do your duty and vote ' . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The Harlow MP , who is chair of the Commons education committee , added : `` There 's a Tarzan-like mentality from the traditionalists in the House of Commons who think if you are not there you should n't do anything .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ swing through the division lobbies like Tarzan , beating your chest saying to your constituents 'look I 'm here ' , you 're not doing your job properly .
`` Well , I 've done my job properly for each of the last ten weeks at home , working for my constituents .
`` But I want my right to choose whether to vote .
There is no excuse for this . ''
Linda Bauld , professor of public health at the University of Edinburgh , said it was `` insane '' to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She told the Press Association : `` I thought that was a really insane idea to require people to go back into Westminster , in terms of infection controls . ''
Professor Bauld added that the science was evolving , but `` it would n't be outside the realm of possibility that immediately occupying the same space as somebody who 's been speaking could be a risk '' .
Lawrence Young , professor of molecular oncology at Warwick Medical School , University of Warwick , also told PA : `` Keeping socially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is an increased risk of infection in an indoors environment where there is no breeze or air movement .
`` Respiratory droplets can spread the virus ( even from asymptomatic individuals ) and recent work suggests that simply breathing or talking could release tiny particles which can stay suspended in the air in a fine mist produced when infected people exhale . ''
This week until Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
And you can take part too .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

A senior Conservative MP has told Sky News that a "Tarzan-like mentality" is behind the government's controversial scrapping of online voting for MPs, as Boris Johnson survived a Tory revolt on the issue.
Leader of the House of Commons Jacob Rees-Mogg on Tuesday introduced plans for MPs to no longer be able to vote remotely, as they did last month.
Instead, in order to take part in votes, the government is demanding MPs now be physically present in parliament, albeit votes will take place in a way consistent with social distancing guidelines.
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The Commons voted on the issue on Tuesday afternoon, in scenes that saw a long line of MPs snake through the parliamentary estate.
Sky News' chief political correspondent Jon Craig even directed Chancellor Rishi Sunak to where he was supposed to be queuing to vote in order to maintain social distancing rules.
A number of parliamentarians voiced their disquiet, describing the votes as a "farce", "absurd" and "completely unsafe", while experts said it may have put them at risk of catching COVID-19.
Conservative MP for Mid Norfolk George Freeman said Mr Rees-Mogg was insisting that parliament "goes back to the 18th century"
Mr Rees-Mogg pushed ahead with the plans despite protests from MPs who are shielding during the coronavirus crisis.
However, he did announce a partial climbdown by announcing a fresh government motion, to be tabled on Wednesday, which would allow MPs unable to attend on medical grounds to take part in certain Commons proceedings.
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Image: Jacob Rees-Mogg wants to scrap remote voting Pic: UK Parliament/ Jessica Taylor
The government had previously intended to end the "hybrid" system that allowed MPs to join debates remotely via the Zoom video conferencing platform.
This had led to concerns from the Equalities and Human Rights Commission.
The government's plans were approved by 261 votes to 163 - a majority of 98.
An amendment to allow a return to remote voting was defeated by 185 votes to 242, a majority of 57, after a 46-minute division.
According to the division list, 31 Conservative MPs rebelled to support the amendment.
Senior Conservative Robert Halfon, who is among those MPs shielding themselves due to COVID-19, expressed his anger at the government ending remote voting.
Mr Rees-Mogg has said MPs such as Mr Halfon will be able to make use of the informal "pairing" system during Commons votes.
But Mr Halfon called for the government to allow shielding MPs to be granted proxy votes, as are allowed for MPs on maternity leave.
"It is wrong and morally unjust to then say to those MPs: 'You are disenfranchised, we are going to snip away at your parliamentary rights and turn you into parliamentary eunuchs.'," he told Sky News.
"It is a President [Jair] Bolsanaro attitude that COVID-19 is the sniffles and, if you can't come in, 'tough luck, we don't care, you can't do your duty and vote'."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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The Harlow MP, who is chair of the Commons education committee, added: "There's a Tarzan-like mentality from the traditionalists in the House of Commons who think if you are not there you shouldn't do anything.
"And, if you can't swing through the division lobbies like Tarzan, beating your chest saying to your constituents 'look I'm here', you're not doing your job properly.
"Well, I've done my job properly for each of the last ten weeks at home, working for my constituents.
"But I want my right to choose whether to vote. There is no excuse for this."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:52 MPs grapple with virtual democracy
Linda Bauld, professor of public health at the University of Edinburgh, said it was "insane" to make MPs come back to the Commons.
She told the Press Association: "I thought that was a really insane idea to require people to go back into Westminster, in terms of infection controls."
Professor Bauld added that the science was evolving, but "it wouldn't be outside the realm of possibility that immediately occupying the same space as somebody who's been speaking could be a risk".
Lawrence Young, professor of molecular oncology at Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, also told PA: "Keeping socially distanced is important as is recognising that there is an increased risk of infection in an indoors environment where there is no breeze or air movement.
"Respiratory droplets can spread the virus (even from asymptomatic individuals) and recent work suggests that simply breathing or talking could release tiny particles which can stay suspended in the air in a fine mist produced when infected people exhale."
This week until Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too.
If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


skynewspolitics--2020-06-02--Long queues and lost MPs: Socially distanced voting didn't go all that well in Westminster

It dates from 1097 and its place in London 's history is almost unrivalled .
Charles I and the gunpowder plot conspirators were tried there and in recent years , Nelson Mandela , Barack Obama and the Queen - four times - have addressed parliament there .
But on the day MPs returned to the Commons after the Whitsun recess , a packed Westminster Hall resembled the snake-like queuing areas of Disneyland , Alton Towers or a budget airline check-in .
These were not members of the public standing in line , however , but MPs waiting to vote on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Jacob Rees-Mogg , to scrap the so-called `` remote parliament '' and return to the normal raucous , rowdy atmosphere of the chamber and traditional voting in crowded , sweaty , heaving division lobbies .
The reason for the long queues : the speaker , Sir Lindsay Hoyle , had declared that Public Health England had ruled the division lobbies were a health hazard and a breeding ground for COVID-19 when packed with grunting , sneezing , coughing MPs during voting .
And vote for Mr Rees-Mogg 's reforms they did - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took a while .
A long while .
About an hour-and-a-quarter for two votes , the time that would normally take for four or five divisions .
While this marathon of parliamentary democracy was going on , what was revealing and perhaps even alarming was how some - even very senior - MPs do n't know their way around Westminster .
I personally performed what I regard as a public service when I had to direct the Chancellor Rishi Sunak - the second most powerful member of Boris Johnson 's government - from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It 's not as if he 's in charge of anything important , '' snarled a grumpy Labour MP who witnessed my good deed .
He was n't the only lost soul , however .
A number of MPs of many years ' standing who ought to have known better , were equally lost .
When the lost souls eventually found their way to Westminster Hall , the first vote , rejecting a plea to keep remote voting , was defeated after nearly 45 minutes by 242-185 , which meant only 427 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took part .
The second , approving Mr Rees-Mogg 's proposals by 261-163 , took a mere half an hour or so .
The government 's majority was bigger this time because a number of Tory rebels in the first vote abstained in the second .
Did the shorter time taken for the second division mean MPs were getting the hang of this socially distanced voting ?
Well , three hours later they had a chance to do it all again , in a showdown on parliamentary boundary changes .
During that vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of MPs wearing face masks to remove them , no doubt fearing there were imposters casting a vote !
Earlier , Mr Rees-Mogg , lampooned as `` the member for the 18th century '' and famous - or infamous - for lying down and stretching his long legs out on the government frontbench during a debate last year , was making the case for a return to the old ways .
Opening a debate limited to 90 minutes , he spoke for nearly 35 , largely due to taking dozens of interventions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deputy speaker , Dame Eleanor Laing , who desperately tried to speed up proceedings , not altogether successfully .
Ahead of the debate , Labour 's wily and wise chief whip , Nick Brown , had predicted a `` Rees-Mogg conga '' .
If only .
At least the Cuban carnival dance moves at a decent pace .
This one was painfully slow .
Since MPs could n't vote in the Aye and No lobbies and had to stay two metres apart , they were forced to queue in Westminster Hall before voting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ queueing while the debate was still going on , a good quarter of an hour before the division bell rang .
But the queue moved so slowly that MPs were n't just queuing in Westminster Hall .
The line trailed back out into New Palace Yard , under the underpass beneath Bridge Street and up the escalator into Portcullis House .
It was estimated that the queue was 1km long - nothing if you 're waiting to see the attractions at Disneyland or Alton Towers , but hopefully longer than an airport check-in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doubt say that MPs are n't used to queuing to fly economy .
And they did n't like this experience one bit .
There was lots of moaning when they returned to the Central Lobby after the first vote .
Complaints like `` ridiculous '' , `` shambles '' and `` ****-up in a brewery '' spluttered from the lips of gasping , perspiring honourable members , especially those who had to queue outdoors in the heat of New Palace Yard .
Many MPs tweeted their annoyance .
After the chaos and confusion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MPs had deliberately walked along the queue in a bid to embarrass Mr Rees-Mogg .
Surely not ?
Perish the thought .
If true , that will have been clocked by the speaker , Sir Lindsay Hoyle , who took himself from the chair to observe personally what was going on during the vote .
Another wily operator , the speaker .
His letter to MPs on the eve of these votes suggested that Sir Lindsay was no fan of what Mr Rees-Mogg was proposing .
He will probably have concluded that after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ along these lines does n't work .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Not only does it exclude the likes of Tory MP Robert Halfon , who could n't come to vote because of a medical condition , and Labour 's Margaret Hodge , who is too old at 75 , but the whole process takes too long and is a waste of time .
And if the government persists with votes like these , what 's to stop Labour - or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that matter - forcing votes for the hell of it when they would n't normally , just to cause the government grief ?
The government 's aim in attempting to bring the Commons back to normal was to set an example to the public .
But it does seem unjust to disenfranchise MPs on the grounds of medical conditions , age , pregnancy , maternity leave or other factors .
With the cushion of its 80-seat majority , the government has won these votes comfortably .
Ever the traditionalist , Mr Rees-Mogg does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opponents on remote voting because he does n't want to risk the possibility of it becoming permanent .
But for as long as COVID-19 rules and Public Health England 's warnings remain in place , we have n't heard the last of this row .
But at least the chancellor knows the way from the Central Lobby to Westminster Hall now .
I hope !

It dates from 1097 and its place in London's history is almost unrivalled.
Charles I and the gunpowder plot conspirators were tried there and in recent years, Nelson Mandela, Barack Obama and the Queen - four times - have addressed parliament there.
But on the day MPs returned to the Commons after the Whitsun recess, a packed Westminster Hall resembled the snake-like queuing areas of Disneyland, Alton Towers or a budget airline check-in.
Image: Conservative MP John Redwood (R) is seen queuing with colleagues in a courtyard on the parliamentary estate
These were not members of the public standing in line, however, but MPs waiting to vote on moves by the Leader of the Commons, Jacob Rees-Mogg, to scrap the so-called "remote parliament" and return to the normal raucous, rowdy atmosphere of the chamber and traditional voting in crowded, sweaty, heaving division lobbies.
The reason for the long queues: the speaker, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, had declared that Public Health England had ruled the division lobbies were a health hazard and a breeding ground for COVID-19 when packed with grunting, sneezing, coughing MPs during voting.
And vote for Mr Rees-Mogg's reforms they did - eventually. But this socially distanced voting took a while. A long while.
About an hour-and-a-quarter for two votes, the time that would normally take for four or five divisions.
While this marathon of parliamentary democracy was going on, what was revealing and perhaps even alarming was how some - even very senior - MPs don't know their way around Westminster.
I personally performed what I regard as a public service when I had to direct the Chancellor Rishi Sunak - the second most powerful member of Boris Johnson's government - from the Central Lobby to Westminster Hall.
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Image: Conservative MP John Redwood (R) is seen queuing with colleagues in a courtyard on the parliamentary estate
"It's not as if he's in charge of anything important," snarled a grumpy Labour MP who witnessed my good deed.
He wasn't the only lost soul, however. A number of MPs of many years' standing who ought to have known better, were equally lost.
When the lost souls eventually found their way to Westminster Hall, the first vote, rejecting a plea to keep remote voting, was defeated after nearly 45 minutes by 242-185, which meant only 427 of the 600+ MPs eligible to vote took part.
The second, approving Mr Rees-Mogg's proposals by 261-163, took a mere half an hour or so. The government's majority was bigger this time because a number of Tory rebels in the first vote abstained in the second.
Did the shorter time taken for the second division mean MPs were getting the hang of this socially distanced voting?
Well, three hours later they had a chance to do it all again, in a showdown on parliamentary boundary changes.
Image: MPs queuing up to vote in the House of Commons
During that vote, deputy Speaker Nigel Evans ordered a number of MPs wearing face masks to remove them, no doubt fearing there were imposters casting a vote!
Earlier, Mr Rees-Mogg, lampooned as "the member for the 18th century" and famous - or infamous - for lying down and stretching his long legs out on the government frontbench during a debate last year, was making the case for a return to the old ways.
Opening a debate limited to 90 minutes, he spoke for nearly 35, largely due to taking dozens of interventions, which exasperated and annoyed the senior deputy speaker, Dame Eleanor Laing, who desperately tried to speed up proceedings, not altogether successfully.
Ahead of the debate, Labour's wily and wise chief whip, Nick Brown, had predicted a "Rees-Mogg conga". If only. At least the Cuban carnival dance moves at a decent pace. This one was painfully slow.
Since MPs couldn't vote in the Aye and No lobbies and had to stay two metres apart, they were forced to queue in Westminster Hall before voting in the chamber itself. Many began queueing while the debate was still going on, a good quarter of an hour before the division bell rang.
But the queue moved so slowly that MPs weren't just queuing in Westminster Hall. The line trailed back out into New Palace Yard, under the underpass beneath Bridge Street and up the escalator into Portcullis House.
It was estimated that the queue was 1km long - nothing if you're waiting to see the attractions at Disneyland or Alton Towers, but hopefully longer than an airport check-in for flying economy.
Image: Jacob Rees Mogg answering questions in the House of Commons
Critics would no doubt say that MPs aren't used to queuing to fly economy. And they didn't like this experience one bit.
There was lots of moaning when they returned to the Central Lobby after the first vote.
Complaints like "ridiculous", "shambles" and "****-up in a brewery" spluttered from the lips of gasping, perspiring honourable members, especially those who had to queue outdoors in the heat of New Palace Yard. Many MPs tweeted their annoyance.
After the chaos and confusion, one senior Tory MP claimed some MPs had deliberately walked along the queue in a bid to embarrass Mr Rees-Mogg. Surely not? Perish the thought.
If true, that will have been clocked by the speaker, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, who took himself from the chair to observe personally what was going on during the vote.
Another wily operator, the speaker. His letter to MPs on the eve of these votes suggested that Sir Lindsay was no fan of what Mr Rees-Mogg was proposing.
He will probably have concluded that after these farcical scenes, socially distanced voting along these lines doesn't work.
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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Not only does it exclude the likes of Tory MP Robert Halfon, who couldn't come to vote because of a medical condition, and Labour's Margaret Hodge, who is too old at 75, but the whole process takes too long and is a waste of time.
And if the government persists with votes like these, what's to stop Labour - or the SNP or Lib Dems, for that matter - forcing votes for the hell of it when they wouldn't normally, just to cause the government grief?
The government's aim in attempting to bring the Commons back to normal was to set an example to the public.
But it does seem unjust to disenfranchise MPs on the grounds of medical conditions, age, pregnancy, maternity leave or other factors.
With the cushion of its 80-seat majority, the government has won these votes comfortably.
Ever the traditionalist, Mr Rees-Mogg doesn't want to give way to his opponents on remote voting because he doesn't want to risk the possibility of it becoming permanent.
But for as long as COVID-19 rules and Public Health England's warnings remain in place, we haven't heard the last of this row.
But at least the chancellor knows the way from the Central Lobby to Westminster Hall now. I hope!


skynewspolitics--2020-06-02--Labour and SNP demand halt in export of riot control equipment to US during unrest

Labour and the SNP are demanding the government suspends the export of riot control equipment to the US amid the protests sparked by the death of George Floyd in police custody .
Labour says there should be a review into whether the equipment is being used in response to the demonstrations , while the SNP said it would be `` nothing short of hypocrisy '' if the UK was to `` turn a blind eye to events unfolding in the US '' .
Emily Thornberry , Labour 's shadow trade secretary , made the call in a letter to her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it would be a `` disgrace '' if the UK supplied equipment to US authorities to tackle the protests against police brutality .
Ms Thornberry called on ministers to suspend all licences that allow British firms to sell riot control equipment to police forces in America .
`` I 'm sure you will agree that , at a time when Donald Trump is gearing up to use the US military to crush the legitimate protests taking place across America over the murder of black civilians , it would be a disgrace for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and equipment he will use to do so , '' she wrote .
American police have faced sustained criticism for the methods used during the unrest , with batons , tear gas and shields deployed against unarmed civilians .
The protests were sparked by the death of Mr Floyd , a black man , last week in Minneapolis , Minnesota .
The 46-year-old died in police custody after a white officer refused to lift his knee from Mr Floyd 's neck , despite him saying he could not breathe .
Derek Chauvin , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter .
Three other officers have been fired .
Protests have spread across the US since , with dozens of cities seeing demonstrators take to the streets .
A licence from the Department for International Trade is needed in order to allow British businesses to export arms .
An unnamed company has been given one to sell a range of crowd control items to US police and military buyers , including CS hand grenades , anti-riot guns and projectiles , and tear gas capsules .
`` If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these riot control projectiles and equipment are being used in the United States against peaceful , unarmed civilians , then the government must act immediately to stop their export , '' Ms Thornberry said .
She called on the government to `` publish a comprehensive list of all current export licences to the USA of riot control projectiles and equipment , along with all available end-user data to clarify who has purchased these items and for what declared purpose within the last five years '' .
Ms Thornberry also demanded that ministers `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue of any new licences for the export of riot control projectiles and equipment to the United States until you have determined whether any of these items are being used in response to the ongoing protests , or risk being used in the coming days if the US military is deployed as part of that response '' .
`` The UK has been vocal on human rights , freedom to gather and protest , freedom of speech , and upholding press freedom in other parts of the world , '' said Stewart Hosie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker '' It would be nothing short of hypocrisy if it was to turn a blind eye to events unfolding in the US .
`` The UK exports millions of pounds worth of riot control equipment to the US that may well be used to repress ongoing protests - including tear gas and rubber bullets .
`` With the government 's own guidance warning against equipment being used in such ways , it 's now only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exports . ''
Human rights group Amnesty International has also called for a halt in exports of riot control equipment .
Spokesman Oliver Feeley-Sprague said : `` Given the evidence emerging from numerous US cities , there 's a very real risk of UK-manufactured tear gas or rubber bullets being used against George Floyd protesters in dangerous and highly inappropriate ways - something that ministers need to respond to . ''
This week until Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World - a series of special @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be like once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
And you can take part too .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

Labour and the SNP are demanding the government suspends the export of riot control equipment to the US amid the protests sparked by the death of George Floyd in police custody.
Labour says there should be a review into whether the equipment is being used in response to the demonstrations, while the SNP said it would be "nothing short of hypocrisy" if the UK was to "turn a blind eye to events unfolding in the US".
Emily Thornberry, Labour's shadow trade secretary, made the call in a letter to her government counterpart Liz Truss.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:56 Eyewitness: US protests erupt
She said it would be a "disgrace" if the UK supplied equipment to US authorities to tackle the protests against police brutality.
Ms Thornberry called on ministers to suspend all licences that allow British firms to sell riot control equipment to police forces in America.
"I'm sure you will agree that, at a time when Donald Trump is gearing up to use the US military to crush the legitimate protests taking place across America over the murder of black civilians, it would be a disgrace for the UK to supply him with the arms and equipment he will use to do so," she wrote.
American police have faced sustained criticism for the methods used during the unrest, with batons, tear gas and shields deployed against unarmed civilians.
The protests were sparked by the death of Mr Floyd, a black man, last week in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The 46-year-old died in police custody after a white officer refused to lift his knee from Mr Floyd's neck, despite him saying he could not breathe.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:22 Trump threatens to send in army to end unrest
Derek Chauvin, the police officer in question, has been charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. Three other officers have been fired.
Protests have spread across the US since, with dozens of cities seeing demonstrators take to the streets.
A licence from the Department for International Trade is needed in order to allow British businesses to export arms.
An unnamed company has been given one to sell a range of crowd control items to US police and military buyers, including CS hand grenades, anti-riot guns and projectiles, and tear gas capsules.
Image: George Floyd's death has sparked protests across the US. Pic: Shutterstock
"If there is a risk that any of these riot control projectiles and equipment are being used in the United States against peaceful, unarmed civilians, then the government must act immediately to stop their export," Ms Thornberry said.
She called on the government to "publish a comprehensive list of all current export licences to the USA of riot control projectiles and equipment, along with all available end-user data to clarify who has purchased these items and for what declared purpose within the last five years".
Ms Thornberry also demanded that ministers "suspend all existing licences and halt the issue of any new licences for the export of riot control projectiles and equipment to the United States until you have determined whether any of these items are being used in response to the ongoing protests, or risk being used in the coming days if the US military is deployed as part of that response".
"The UK has been vocal on human rights, freedom to gather and protest, freedom of speech, and upholding press freedom in other parts of the world," said Stewart Hosie, the SNP's international trade spokesperson.
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"It would be nothing short of hypocrisy if it was to turn a blind eye to events unfolding in the US.
"The UK exports millions of pounds worth of riot control equipment to the US that may well be used to repress ongoing protests - including tear gas and rubber bullets.
"With the government's own guidance warning against equipment being used in such ways, it's now only right that the UK urgently reviews such exports."
Human rights group Amnesty International has also called for a halt in exports of riot control equipment.
Spokesman Oliver Feeley-Sprague said: "Given the evidence emerging from numerous US cities, there's a very real risk of UK-manufactured tear gas or rubber bullets being used against George Floyd protesters in dangerous and highly inappropriate ways - something that ministers need to respond to."
This week until Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too.
If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


skynewspolitics--2020-06-02--Government scraps COVID-19 briefings at weekends due to low viewing figures

The government has scrapped its weekend coronavirus briefings , Number 10 has announced .
From this week , the news conferences fronted by a senior government minister from Downing Street will no longer take place on Saturdays or Sundays .
Number 10 said `` significantly lower '' viewing figures were behind the move .
However , there was a fresh commitment for Prime Minister Boris Johnson to lead at least one of the five COVID-19 briefings a week , alongside scientific and medical experts .
`` From this week , the press conferences will be on weekdays only - so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Mr Johnson 's official spokesman said .
`` The prime minister will take a press conference every week .
`` Others will be led by secretaries of state , alongside scientific and medical experts where relevant . ''
Asked why the change was being made , the spokesman said : `` It is just a fact that the numbers who are viewing at weekends do tend to be significantly lower . ''
Last Saturday 's news conference was notable for Professor Jonathan Van Tam , England 's deputy chief medical officer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear '' and `` apply to all '' .
He spoke in reference to the row over the prime minister 's chief adviser Dominic Cummings , who police said may have breached the rules .
At Sunday 's news conference , Dr Jenny Harries - Prof Van Tam 's fellow deputy chief medical officer - said she `` absolutely '' agreed with her colleague .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker By contrast , last week the prime minister intervened to stop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medical officer , and Sir Patrick Vallance , the government 's chief scientific adviser , from answering questions about Mr Cummings .
Prof Whitty later stressed he had a `` desire not to get pulled into politics '' , while Sir Patrick added : `` I 'm a civil servant , I 'm politically neutral , I do n't want to get involved in politics at all . ''
Home Secretary Priti Patel is the only female cabinet minister to have appeared at the daily briefings .
Mr Johnson has admitted he `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ female representation '' at the news conferences .

The government has scrapped its weekend coronavirus briefings, Number 10 has announced.
From this week, the news conferences fronted by a senior government minister from Downing Street will no longer take place on Saturdays or Sundays.
Number 10 said "significantly lower" viewing figures were behind the move.
However, there was a fresh commitment for Prime Minister Boris Johnson to lead at least one of the five COVID-19 briefings a week, alongside scientific and medical experts.
"From this week, the press conferences will be on weekdays only - so no longer on Saturdays and Sundays," Mr Johnson's official spokesman said.
"The prime minister will take a press conference every week.
"Others will be led by secretaries of state, alongside scientific and medical experts where relevant."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:42 UK still in a 'very dangerous moment' on COVID-19
Asked why the change was being made, the spokesman said: "It is just a fact that the numbers who are viewing at weekends do tend to be significantly lower."
Last Saturday's news conference was notable for Professor Jonathan Van Tam, England's deputy chief medical officer, stressing the coronavirus lockdown rules are "clear" and "apply to all".
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He spoke in reference to the row over the prime minister's chief adviser Dominic Cummings, who police said may have breached the rules.
At Sunday's news conference, Dr Jenny Harries - Prof Van Tam's fellow deputy chief medical officer - said she "absolutely" agreed with her colleague.
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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By contrast, last week the prime minister intervened to stop Professor Chris Whitty, England's chief medical officer, and Sir Patrick Vallance, the government's chief scientific adviser, from answering questions about Mr Cummings.
Prof Whitty later stressed he had a "desire not to get pulled into politics", while Sir Patrick added: "I'm a civil servant, I'm politically neutral, I don't want to get involved in politics at all."
Home Secretary Priti Patel is the only female cabinet minister to have appeared at the daily briefings.
Mr Johnson has admitted he "would have liked to have had more female representation" at the news conferences.


skynewspolitics--2020-06-03--'We will all suffer if we get this wrong' - ministers defend quarantine

The quarantine plan for people arriving in the UK is vital to prevent a second coronavirus peak , the home secretary has insisted as she prepares to face her critics in the Commons .
Ahead of a statement to MPs on the controversial policy , Priti Patel said `` we will all suffer if we get this wrong '' , adding that tourism will recover faster if COVID-19 is kept in retreat .
Ms Patel has defended her plan in a Daily Telegraph article co-written with the transport secretary , Grant Shapps , amid claims the government is planning a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tory rebellion .
But at the same time , the ministers said they would review the quarantine policy - due to begin on Monday - `` when safe to do so '' , and suggested they may agree to `` air bridges '' between Britain and low-risk countries .
In a bid to reassure Tory MPs who are opposed to the quarantine plan , Ms Patel and Mr Shapps confirmed the government is working with the transport industry on agreements with other countries .
Defending the policy , the ministers wrote : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prevent new cases being brought in from abroad and to prevent a second wave of the virus .
`` Right now , airport COVID-19 tests or rapid temperature tests simply are n't as effective .
Infected passengers might not have any symptoms , and tests might not work as well if you 've only just caught the virus .
`` Which is why it is right that we ask those who are travelling to our country to follow the measures that our own citizens are undertaking to continue to stop the spread of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to follow the rules designed to protect our families , friends and loved ones , so should visitors to our country .
`` And by stopping people coming in from spreading the virus further , we can control it and get back to normal sooner - meaning the tourism industry will be up and running faster . ''
In a message to critics , the ministers added : `` We know that this will mean that challenges continue in the coming weeks , but that 's why we have an unprecedented package of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world - both for employees and businesses .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' But we will all suffer if we get this wrong and that is why it is crucial that we introduce these measures now .
Let 's not throw away our progress in tackling this deadly virus .
We owe it to the thousands who have died . ''
Hinting at a possible climb-down later this month , they said : `` As with all COVID-19 policies , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures , looking at global infection rates , the measures in place around the world , and the latest scientific advances .
`` We are working with the transport industry to see how we can introduce agreements with other countries when safe to do so , so we can go abroad and tourists can come here .
`` But as the prime minister has outlined , we must take it one step at a time .
We must keep the country safe from potentially infected passengers unknowingly spreading the virus to others in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health always comes first . ''
The ministers confirm that from Monday , people arriving to the UK will need to self-isolate for 14 days .
Travel details and passenger contact information will need to be provided .
There will be spot checks and fines .
A increasing number of MPs - including senior Tories - have spoken out against the quarantine plan over fears it could further harm the UK 's struggling aviation sector .
And critics have rallied behind the proposal of air bridges being established with low-risk destinations , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , health minister Edward Argar was cautious about the prospect of Britons being able to enjoy a holiday this summer .
`` I really hope people will be able to enjoy a holiday later this year , '' he told Sky News ' Kay Burley @ Breakfast show .
`` But it is hugely important that I say we can only do things like that when the infection rate and the risk of a second spike are so reduced .
`` I do n't think we 're in a position to say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reeves , the shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster , said her party supported the quarantine plan .
`` We want people to be able to enjoy a holiday but we have got to stop a second spike in this virus , so it 's right that we put in place those measures at airports and ports , '' she said .
`` They should have been in place in March and then , perhaps , we would n't be in the dire situation we are - with one of the worst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK . ''
This week until Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
And you can take part too .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the @ @ @ @ @ @

The quarantine plan for people arriving in the UK is vital to prevent a second coronavirus peak, the home secretary has insisted as she prepares to face her critics in the Commons.
Ahead of a statement to MPs on the controversial policy, Priti Patel said "we will all suffer if we get this wrong", adding that tourism will recover faster if COVID-19 is kept in retreat.
Ms Patel has defended her plan in a Daily Telegraph article co-written with the transport secretary, Grant Shapps, amid claims the government is planning a retreat in the face of a growing Tory rebellion.
Image: Priti Patel insists the measures will prevent a second wave of the virus
But at the same time, the ministers said they would review the quarantine policy - due to begin on Monday - "when safe to do so", and suggested they may agree to "air bridges" between Britain and low-risk countries.
In a bid to reassure Tory MPs who are opposed to the quarantine plan, Ms Patel and Mr Shapps confirmed the government is working with the transport industry on agreements with other countries.
Defending the policy, the ministers wrote: "Self-isolation for those arriving is designed to prevent new cases being brought in from abroad and to prevent a second wave of the virus.
"Right now, airport COVID-19 tests or rapid temperature tests simply aren't as effective. Infected passengers might not have any symptoms, and tests might not work as well if you've only just caught the virus.
"Which is why it is right that we ask those who are travelling to our country to follow the measures that our own citizens are undertaking to continue to stop the spread of the virus.
"As we continue to follow the rules designed to protect our families, friends and loved ones, so should visitors to our country.
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"And by stopping people coming in from spreading the virus further, we can control it and get back to normal sooner - meaning the tourism industry will be up and running faster."
In a message to critics, the ministers added: "We know that this will mean that challenges continue in the coming weeks, but that's why we have an unprecedented package of support - the most comprehensive in the world - both for employees and businesses.
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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"But we will all suffer if we get this wrong and that is why it is crucial that we introduce these measures now. Let's not throw away our progress in tackling this deadly virus. We owe it to the thousands who have died."
Hinting at a possible climb-down later this month, they said: "As with all COVID-19 policies, the government will review these and other measures, looking at global infection rates, the measures in place around the world, and the latest scientific advances.
"We are working with the transport industry to see how we can introduce agreements with other countries when safe to do so, so we can go abroad and tourists can come here.
"But as the prime minister has outlined, we must take it one step at a time. We must keep the country safe from potentially infected passengers unknowingly spreading the virus to others in society and ensure that the public's health always comes first."
The ministers confirm that from Monday, people arriving to the UK will need to self-isolate for 14 days.
Travel details and passenger contact information will need to be provided. There will be spot checks and fines.
A increasing number of MPs - including senior Tories - have spoken out against the quarantine plan over fears it could further harm the UK's struggling aviation sector.
And critics have rallied behind the proposal of air bridges being established with low-risk destinations, in order to get people flying again.
However, health minister Edward Argar was cautious about the prospect of Britons being able to enjoy a holiday this summer.
"I really hope people will be able to enjoy a holiday later this year," he told Sky News' Kay Burley @ Breakfast show.
"But it is hugely important that I say we can only do things like that when the infection rate and the risk of a second spike are so reduced.
"I don't think we're in a position to say that yet."
Labour's Rachel Reeves, the shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said her party supported the quarantine plan.
"We want people to be able to enjoy a holiday but we have got to stop a second spike in this virus, so it's right that we put in place those measures at airports and ports," she said.
"They should have been in place in March and then, perhaps, we wouldn't be in the dire situation we are - with one of the worst death rates in the world - in the UK."
This week until Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too.
If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk