skynewspolitics--2020-03-05--Tory mayor hopeful campaigned with man accused of Islamophobia

The Conservatives have been accused of ignoring institutional Islamophobia in their ranks after the party 's candidate for London mayor was shown campaigning alongside a local activist under investigation for Islamophobic comments .
A photograph posted to Twitter in January shows Shaun Bailey campaigning with Sushil Dokwal , who stood as a Conservative councillor in the London constituency of Brent North in 2018 , and two other men .
In November 2019 , Sky News revealed that Mr Dokwal had posted a message in the Brent North Conservative Association WhatsApp group saying , `` Sadiq and Corbin [ sic ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hidden agenda of jihadis . ''
Mr Dokwal also used WhatsApp 's `` forward '' function to send the Brent North group a video of Katie Hopkins in the midst of a pro-Pakistan demonstration , where the far-right commentator claimed to be being attacked and harassed by Muslim demonstrators .
The Muslim Council of Britain said the presence of Mr Dokwal , who is wearing a Conservative Party badge , showed the party was not taking Islamophobia within its ranks seriously .
`` What is particularly problematic , over and above the appalling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rather than suspending the individual , the Conservative Party allows him to continue campaigning , making a mockery of the Party 's claims of swift action and 'zero tolerance ' to racism , '' its spokesperson said .
At the time , both the local and national Conservative parties said they were investigating the matter .
After its election victory in December , the Conservative Party launched an inquiry into Islamophobia and other forms of prejudice within the party , following repeated calls for such an action .
Asked what action had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigation into Mr Dokwal , a Conservative spokesman told Sky News : `` We can not comment on ongoing investigations . ''
Jayanti Patel , chairman of the Brent North Conservatives Association , said : `` We ca n't comment on ongoing investigation by the Conservative Party . ''
The Muslim Council of Britain , which had criticised the decision to expand the scope of the inquiry to include all forms of prejudice , said this latest news showed the party 's review needed to be completely independent .
`` The Party faces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and tackle - and anything less than an external independent inquiry into Islamophobia , will not be enough , '' its spokesperson said .
The Muslim Council of Britain also expressed concern about the record of Shaun Bailey , who is standing to be London mayor in the election in May 2020 .
`` Shaun Bailey has , in the past , been mired in numerous scandals of Islamophobia , from sharing a tweet labelling Sadiq Khan `` the mad mullah of Londonistan '' to being accused of telling a Muslim Conservative candidate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he raised the issue of discrimination , '' its spokesperson said .
`` It is unfortunately not surprising that he is campaigning with an individual who links Khan to jihadis because of his religion . ''
A spokesperson for Mr Bailey told Sky News : `` Shaun Bailey does not know this individual and was completely unaware of these comments or any investigations .
`` Shaun can not personally vet everyone who turns up to volunteer sessions across London .
He in no way whatsoever condones the comments highlighted by Sky News .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ repeated requests for comment .
At the time of his previous comments , he responded on WhatsApp , saying : `` This was posted to me and I posted to my colleague to know what is happening .
If true then study it and may be to learn from it . ''
On Monday , the Conservative Party suspended a number of its members following allegations by the campaign group Hope Not Hate , which had compiled a dossier of anti-Muslim comments online .
During the general election , numerous messages accusing Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and `` a mouthpiece for Pakistan '' went viral on WhatsApp , prompting Labour candidates to warn that the chat app was playing a role in stoking division .
During last year 's Indian election , WhatsApp was used as a vehicle for misinformation and propaganda , with polarising political news and rumours spreading rapidly thanks to forwarding to groups .
The Facebook-owned app responded by limiting how often messages can be forwarded - to only five groups instead of 20 .
It later extended this restriction worldwide .
A WhatsApp spokesperson told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committed to helping to tackle the problem of viral misinformation… we will continue to prioritise the development of new ways to help to address this issue in the future . ''

The Conservatives have been accused of ignoring institutional Islamophobia in their ranks after the party's candidate for London mayor was shown campaigning alongside a local activist under investigation for Islamophobic comments.
A photograph posted to Twitter in January shows Shaun Bailey campaigning with Sushil Dokwal, who stood as a Conservative councillor in the London constituency of Brent North in 2018, and two other men.
In November 2019, Sky News revealed that Mr Dokwal had posted a message in the Brent North Conservative Association WhatsApp group saying, "Sadiq and Corbin [sic] are against Jews, Hindus and following hidden agenda of jihadis."
Mr Dokwal also used WhatsApp's "forward" function to send the Brent North group a video of Katie Hopkins in the midst of a pro-Pakistan demonstration, where the far-right commentator claimed to be being attacked and harassed by Muslim demonstrators.
A spokesperson for Mr Bailey said he was "completely unaware" of the comments or an investigation.
The Muslim Council of Britain said the presence of Mr Dokwal, who is wearing a Conservative Party badge, showed the party was not taking Islamophobia within its ranks seriously.
"What is particularly problematic, over and above the appalling comments by Mr Dokwal, is that rather than suspending the individual, the Conservative Party allows him to continue campaigning, making a mockery of the Party's claims of swift action and 'zero tolerance' to racism," its spokesperson said.
Image: A spokesman for Mr Bailey said he 'does not know this individual and was completely unaware of these comments'
At the time, both the local and national Conservative parties said they were investigating the matter.
After its election victory in December, the Conservative Party launched an inquiry into Islamophobia and other forms of prejudice within the party, following repeated calls for such an action.
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Asked what action had been taken as a result of the original investigation into Mr Dokwal, a Conservative spokesman told Sky News: "We cannot comment on ongoing investigations."
Jayanti Patel, chairman of the Brent North Conservatives Association, said: "We can't comment on ongoing investigation by the Conservative Party."
The Muslim Council of Britain, which had criticised the decision to expand the scope of the inquiry to include all forms of prejudice, said this latest news showed the party's review needed to be completely independent.
"The Party faces an institutional problem that it must acknowledge and tackle - and anything less than an external independent inquiry into Islamophobia, will not be enough," its spokesperson said.
The Muslim Council of Britain also expressed concern about the record of Shaun Bailey, who is standing to be London mayor in the election in May 2020.
"Shaun Bailey has, in the past, been mired in numerous scandals of Islamophobia, from sharing a tweet labelling Sadiq Khan "the mad mullah of Londonistan" to being accused of telling a Muslim Conservative candidate to "suck it up" when he raised the issue of discrimination," its spokesperson said.
"It is unfortunately not surprising that he is campaigning with an individual who links Khan to jihadis because of his religion."
A spokesperson for Mr Bailey told Sky News: "Shaun Bailey does not know this individual and was completely unaware of these comments or any investigations.
"Shaun cannot personally vet everyone who turns up to volunteer sessions across London. He in no way whatsoever condones the comments highlighted by Sky News."
Mr Dokwal did not respond to repeated requests for comment.
At the time of his previous comments, he responded on WhatsApp, saying: "This was posted to me and I posted to my colleague to know what is happening. If true then study it and may be to learn from it."
On Monday, the Conservative Party suspended a number of its members following allegations by the campaign group Hope Not Hate, which had compiled a dossier of anti-Muslim comments online.
Image: WhatsApp says it is 'committed to helping to tackle the problem of viral misinformation'
During the general election, numerous messages accusing Labour of being "anti-India and anti-Hindu" and "a mouthpiece for Pakistan" went viral on WhatsApp, prompting Labour candidates to warn that the chat app was playing a role in stoking division.
During last year's Indian election, WhatsApp was used as a vehicle for misinformation and propaganda, with polarising political news and rumours spreading rapidly thanks to forwarding to groups.
The Facebook-owned app responded by limiting how often messages can be forwarded - to only five groups instead of 20. It later extended this restriction worldwide.
A WhatsApp spokesperson told Sky News: "WhatsApp is absolutely committed to helping to tackle the problem of viral misinformation… we will continue to prioritise the development of new ways to help to address this issue in the future."


skynewspolitics--2020-03-05--'Very difficult' differences in Brexit talks - as UK rejects human rights link

There are `` very , very difficult '' differences between the EU and UK following the first week of talks on a future relationship , the bloc 's chief negotiator has claimed .
Michel Barnier , who is heading the EU 's negotiating team , highlighted four main areas of divergence between the two sides at the end of their first round of negotiations .
These relate to EU demands for the UK to maintain a `` level playing field '' with Brussels ' rules and standards ; the role of the European Court of Justice ( ECJ ) and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) ; governance ; and fisheries .
The government also admitted there were `` significant differences '' in these areas , although a spokesperson said they were `` pleased with the constructive tone from both sides '' towards the talks .
Highlighting one area of dispute , Mr Barnier revealed at a Brussels news conference on Thursday : `` The UK informs us they do not wish to commit formally to continuing to apply the ECHR , nor do they wish the ECJ to play its full role in interpreting European law .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK position does not move it will have an immediate and concrete effect on the level of ambition of our cooperation . ''
The UK government said it remained `` committed '' to the ECHR but suggested there did not need to be an additional binding declaration of this in any agreement struck with Brussels .
Mr Barnier claimed the differences between both sides ' negotiating stance should `` come as no surprise , especially after only one round of negotiations '' .
`` Some are very , very difficult , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to believe that we can reach a good agreement for both sides .
These past few days have been constructive . ''
Talks are expected to alternate between Brussels and London , with each round of negotiations held every two to three weeks .
The next is due in London between 18 to 20 March .
The UK formally left the EU on 31 January , but has entered an 11-month transition period until the end of the year in which it maintains the status quo of membership of the bloc .
Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enough for the two sides to agree a future trade deal , but Prime Minister Boris Johnson has vowed not to extend the transition period .
The UK has been signed up to the European Convention on Human Rights since 1953 through its membership of the Council of Europe , which is distinct from the EU .
The Convention is enforced by the European Court of Human Rights .
: : Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker It has previously been suggested that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open to breaking away from the ECHR during Brexit talks .
In 2018 , Dominic Cummings - now the prime minister 's chief adviser - wrote that if he were to `` get involved in politics again , then a referendum on the ECHR should be high on the agenda '' .
He added on his blog : `` Bear in mind most people probably think we 're already leaving it because of the 2016 referendum , so imagine how mad they 'll be when they realise we 're still in it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dominic Raab and Priti Patel have both previously called for the UK 's Human Rights Act - which enshrines the ECHR in UK law - to be replaced by an alternative British bill of rights as a means of reforming the UK 's link with the Strasbourg-based European Court of Human Rights .
A government spokesperson said : `` The UK is committed to the European Convention on Human Rights and to protecting human rights and championing them at home and abroad , but we believe that this does not require an additional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK gives effect to its long-standing strong human rights protections is a matter for the UK as an autonomous country .
`` In the same way , it 's a matter for the EU and its member states to give effect to their own human rights protections according to their own legal orders . ''

There are "very, very difficult" differences between the EU and UK following the first week of talks on a future relationship, the bloc's chief negotiator has claimed.
Michel Barnier, who is heading the EU's negotiating team, highlighted four main areas of divergence between the two sides at the end of their first round of negotiations.
These relate to EU demands for the UK to maintain a "level playing field" with Brussels' rules and standards; the role of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) and European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR); governance; and fisheries.
The government also admitted there were "significant differences" in these areas, although a spokesperson said they were "pleased with the constructive tone from both sides" towards the talks.
Highlighting one area of dispute, Mr Barnier revealed at a Brussels news conference on Thursday: "The UK informs us they do not wish to commit formally to continuing to apply the ECHR, nor do they wish the ECJ to play its full role in interpreting European law."
He added: "If the UK position does not move it will have an immediate and concrete effect on the level of ambition of our cooperation."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:51 Johnson: 'No race to the bottom' after Brexit
The UK government said it remained "committed" to the ECHR but suggested there did not need to be an additional binding declaration of this in any agreement struck with Brussels.
Mr Barnier claimed the differences between both sides' negotiating stance should "come as no surprise, especially after only one round of negotiations".
"Some are very, very difficult," he said.
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"However, I continue to believe that we can reach a good agreement for both sides. These past few days have been constructive."
Talks are expected to alternate between Brussels and London, with each round of negotiations held every two to three weeks.
The next is due in London between 18 to 20 March.
The UK formally left the EU on 31 January, but has entered an 11-month transition period until the end of the year in which it maintains the status quo of membership of the bloc.
Some have doubted whether the timeframe is long enough for the two sides to agree a future trade deal, but Prime Minister Boris Johnson has vowed not to extend the transition period.
The UK has been signed up to the European Convention on Human Rights since 1953 through its membership of the Council of Europe, which is distinct from the EU.
The Convention is enforced by the European Court of Human Rights.
:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
It has previously been suggested that the UK is looking to leave the door open to breaking away from the ECHR during Brexit talks.
In 2018, Dominic Cummings - now the prime minister's chief adviser - wrote that if he were to "get involved in politics again, then a referendum on the ECHR should be high on the agenda".
He added on his blog: "Bear in mind most people probably think we're already leaving it because of the 2016 referendum, so imagine how mad they'll be when they realise we're still in it."
Mr Johnson's top cabinet ministers Dominic Raab and Priti Patel have both previously called for the UK's Human Rights Act - which enshrines the ECHR in UK law - to be replaced by an alternative British bill of rights as a means of reforming the UK's link with the Strasbourg-based European Court of Human Rights.
A government spokesperson said: "The UK is committed to the European Convention on Human Rights and to protecting human rights and championing them at home and abroad, but we believe that this does not require an additional binding international legal commitment.
"How the UK gives effect to its long-standing strong human rights protections is a matter for the UK as an autonomous country.
"In the same way, it's a matter for the EU and its member states to give effect to their own human rights protections according to their own legal orders."


skynewspolitics--2020-03-05--Gordon Brown backs Keir Starmer to be next Labour leader

Gordon Brown has declared his backing for Sir Keir Starmer in the Labour leadership contest , saying he has the qualifications to be a `` prime minister of the future '' .
Mr Brown , who was PM from 2007 to 2010 , said Labour needed to unite and there were `` three worthy candidates '' to succeed Jeremy Corbyn .
He praised shadow business secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey for her focus on a `` green new deal '' and Wigan MP Lisa Nandy for stressing the need for `` empowering our communities '' .
`` But there is one candidate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with the dedication , with the commitment and indeed with the values that are necessary for Labour to return to power , '' Mr Brown said .
`` Keir Starmer has all the qualifications that are necessary for a prime minister of the future .
`` A vote for Keir Starmer is a vote for hope .
It 's a vote for the future .
It 's a vote for the values that all of us believe in deeply .
Mr Brown , the last Labour leader to be PM , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ succeeded in demolishing much of the social fabric '' of Britain , with the state of public services worsening and an NHS `` struggling from crisis to crisis '' .
`` Britain deserves better than this and it needs a Labour Party with a vision of what can be achieved in the new world of the 2020s , '' he said .
`` When Labour has come together and been united we have had massive achievements that have changed the face of Britain . ''
Sir Keir , the shadow Brexit secretary , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's next leader .
Mr Corbyn announced that he would be standing down in December , in the wake of Labour 's worst election performance since the 1930s .
: : Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The winner in the contest will be announced at the start of next month .

Gordon Brown has declared his backing for Sir Keir Starmer in the Labour leadership contest, saying he has the qualifications to be a "prime minister of the future".
Mr Brown, who was PM from 2007 to 2010, said Labour needed to unite and there were "three worthy candidates" to succeed Jeremy Corbyn.
He praised shadow business secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey for her focus on a "green new deal" and Wigan MP Lisa Nandy for stressing the need for "empowering our communities".
Image: Sir Keir Starmer is seen as the favourite to win the contest
"But there is one candidate with the expertise, with the eloquence, with the dedication, with the commitment and indeed with the values that are necessary for Labour to return to power," Mr Brown said.
"Keir Starmer has all the qualifications that are necessary for a prime minister of the future.
"A vote for Keir Starmer is a vote for hope. It's a vote for the future. It's a vote for the values that all of us believe in deeply.
"Join Keir Starmer and let's elect a Labour government."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:52 Labour leadership hopefuls clash in 'frosty' debate
Mr Brown, the last Labour leader to be PM, said 10 years of Conservative governments had "succeeded in demolishing much of the social fabric" of Britain, with the state of public services worsening and an NHS "struggling from crisis to crisis".
"Britain deserves better than this and it needs a Labour Party with a vision of what can be achieved in the new world of the 2020s," he said.
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"When Labour has come together and been united we have had massive achievements that have changed the face of Britain."
Sir Keir, the shadow Brexit secretary, is considered the favourite to become Labour's next leader.
Mr Corbyn announced that he would be standing down in December, in the wake of Labour's worst election performance since the 1930s.
:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The winner in the contest will be announced at the start of next month.


skynewspolitics--2020-03-05--'No plans' to shut down parliament amid coronavirus outbreak

There are `` no plans '' to shut down parliament in the face of the coronavirus outbreak , a government minister has said .
Jacob Rees-Mogg , the leader of the House of Commons , dismissed suggestions that MPs and peers would stay away from Westminster amid the spread of COVID-19 , the disease that develops from coronavirus .
Professor Chris Whitty , England 's chief medical officer who is helping to coordinate the UK response to the outbreak , has revealed the country is moving into the next stage of its coronovirus response .
He briefed Commons Speaker Sir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of COVID-19 in the Palace of Westminster .
But Mr Rees-Mogg told MPs on Thursday that any measures taken would not include shutting parliament for a period of months .
`` There are no plans to close the House down , '' he said .
`` The public will expect parliament to sit and get on with its job .
Parliament has proven itself to be very resilient over the years .
`` There is no medical reason on current advice to think that shutting parliament would be necessary or helpful . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ approach will be guided by the best scientific evidence and medical advice and we 'll take all necessary measures to deal with this outbreak .
`` I can assure the House I 'm engaging with the parliamentary authorities to emphasise how important it is that any decisions are taken in line with the advice of the chief medical officer .
`` And a cross-parliamentary group of senior managers is meeting daily to plan the response to COVID-19 and ensure business continuity with input from Her Majesty 's government . ''
: : Listen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Prof Whitty had earlier told the Commons health committee that parliament was no riskier than other places where people come into contact with each other .
`` I do n't see , personally , any reason why the House of Commons and House of Lords are a more dangerous environment for people to move in than other ones , so other environments where people come into contact with other people , '' he said .
Prof Whitty said parliament would make its own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might want to take personal decisions in the future .
`` One of the bits of advice that we will give when this starts to run is for people who are older or who have pre-existing health conditions to have some degree of isolation from more public environments , '' he said .

There are "no plans" to shut down parliament in the face of the coronavirus outbreak, a government minister has said.
Jacob Rees-Mogg, the leader of the House of Commons, dismissed suggestions that MPs and peers would stay away from Westminster amid the spread of COVID-19, the disease that develops from coronavirus.
Professor Chris Whitty, England's chief medical officer who is helping to coordinate the UK response to the outbreak, has revealed the country is moving into the next stage of its coronovirus response.
He briefed Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle on Monday about the risks of COVID-19 in the Palace of Westminster.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:54 Coronavirus: UK's strategy explained
But Mr Rees-Mogg told MPs on Thursday that any measures taken would not include shutting parliament for a period of months.
"There are no plans to close the House down," he said.
"The public will expect parliament to sit and get on with its job. Parliament has proven itself to be very resilient over the years.
"There is no medical reason on current advice to think that shutting parliament would be necessary or helpful."
The cabinet minister added: "Our approach will be guided by the best scientific evidence and medical advice and we'll take all necessary measures to deal with this outbreak.
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"I can assure the House I'm engaging with the parliamentary authorities to emphasise how important it is that any decisions are taken in line with the advice of the chief medical officer.
"And a cross-parliamentary group of senior managers is meeting daily to plan the response to COVID-19 and ensure business continuity with input from Her Majesty's government."
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Prof Whitty had earlier told the Commons health committee that parliament was no riskier than other places where people come into contact with each other.
"I don't see, personally, any reason why the House of Commons and House of Lords are a more dangerous environment for people to move in than other ones, so other environments where people come into contact with other people," he said.
Prof Whitty said parliament would make its own decision but added individual MPs and peers might want to take personal decisions in the future.
"One of the bits of advice that we will give when this starts to run is for people who are older or who have pre-existing health conditions to have some degree of isolation from more public environments," he said.


skynewspolitics--2020-03-05--MPs to be paid £82k as they receive 3.1% pay rise

MPs will receive a pay rise of 3.1 % next month , the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority ( IPSA ) has said .
The increase will raise MPs ' basic pay from £79,468 to £81,932 and will be effective from 1 April .
It comes after the IPSA 's decision in 2018 to adjust the pay of MPs at the same rate as public sector earnings , which are published by the Office of National Statistics .
IPSA interim chair Richard Lloyd said : `` Our review of MPs ' staffing budgets in 2019 found demands on MPs ' offices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and stressful casework with constituents on a very wide range of problems .
`` There was often high staff turnover , with salary levels below comparable roles elsewhere , based on independent benchmarked evidence . ''
He added that many MPs were spending `` relatively little time or money '' on staff training , wellbeing and development .
`` As a result , we have provided additional funding in MPs ' 2020-21 staffing budgets for staff training and welfare , security , and changes to the salary bands and job descriptions for MPs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the jobs they actually do , '' he continued .
: : Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The announcement marks the first time MPs ' salaries have been more than £80,000 .
It is also an increase of the £65,738 salary in April 2010 .
MPs who hold other duties typically receive an additional salary such as chairs of select committees and ministers .
Select committee chairs will now be paid an extra £16,422 , up from £15,928 in April 2019 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ most recent wage growth figures in December last year showed total earnings increased by 2.9 % - showing slower growth than had been seen for the rest of 2019 .
Cabinet Office figures show in 2019 the prime minister was entitled to a second salary of £79,286 .
Meanwhile , senior ministers including the Chancellor and Secretaries of State were entitled to up to £71,090 .
The salaries actually claimed were approximately £4,000 less than their full entitlement .
IPSA has no role in setting ministerial salaries .

MPs will receive a pay rise of 3.1% next month, the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) has said.
The increase will raise MPs' basic pay from £79,468 to £81,932 and will be effective from 1 April.
It comes after the IPSA's decision in 2018 to adjust the pay of MPs at the same rate as public sector earnings, which are published by the Office of National Statistics.
IPSA interim chair Richard Lloyd said: "Our review of MPs' staffing budgets in 2019 found demands on MPs' offices were high, with staff doing difficult and stressful casework with constituents on a very wide range of problems.
"There was often high staff turnover, with salary levels below comparable roles elsewhere, based on independent benchmarked evidence."
He added that many MPs were spending "relatively little time or money" on staff training, wellbeing and development.
"As a result, we have provided additional funding in MPs' 2020-21 staffing budgets for staff training and welfare, security, and changes to the salary bands and job descriptions for MPs' staff to bring them into line with the jobs they actually do," he continued.
:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The announcement marks the first time MPs' salaries have been more than £80,000.
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It is also an increase of the £65,738 salary in April 2010.
Image: 2019 figures showed the PM was entitled to a second salary of £79,286
MPs who hold other duties typically receive an additional salary such as chairs of select committees and ministers.
Select committee chairs will now be paid an extra £16,422, up from £15,928 in April 2019.
The Office of National Statistics said the most recent wage growth figures in December last year showed total earnings increased by 2.9% - showing slower growth than had been seen for the rest of 2019.
Cabinet Office figures show in 2019 the prime minister was entitled to a second salary of £79,286.
Meanwhile, senior ministers including the Chancellor and Secretaries of State were entitled to up to £71,090.
The salaries actually claimed were approximately £4,000 less than their full entitlement.
IPSA has no role in setting ministerial salaries.


skynewspolitics--2020-03-06--Coronavirus: No 10 'looking at' isolating whole households

The government is `` looking at '' the isolation of whole households during the coronavirus outbreak , its chief scientific adviser has told Sky News .
Sir Patrick Vallance said the `` more extreme '' action was being modelled by the government as it considers options to deal with COVID-19 , the disease caused by the novel coronavirus .
Latest figures show there have been 116 cases of COVID-19 in the UK , which has more than doubled in the last 48 hours .
This is out of nearly 18,000 people tested .
One woman in her 70s with underlying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Sir Patrick , who is helping to coordinate the UK 's response to the virus as the government 's chief scientific adviser , offered his `` sincere condolences '' to the woman 's relatives and friends .
He confirmed the government is preparing to move to the `` delay '' stage of its four-phase approach to coronavirus , which involves attempting to suppress the peak of a mass outbreak in the UK .
On Thursday night , the government updated travel advice for those who have returned from Italy within the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back from the country and develop symptoms , however mild , should self-isolate and call the NHS on 111 .
And those who have returned from specific lockdown areas in Italy should self-isolate and call 111 even if they do n't have symptoms .
Sir Patrick described self-isolation as `` really critical '' and `` a very key part of what can be done '' .
Describing what further action might be taken by the government , Sir Patrick told Sky News : `` There are then more extreme versions when you think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Self-isolation is possibly usually within houses , it means that you stay in your room , you get things delivered to it and stay there for 14 days .
`` Household isolation would mean the household - that 's obviously an more extreme move .
`` Again , we 're modelling that we 're looking at that in terms of what the options might be . ''
But Sir Patrick stressed it is `` important these measures are n't taken too early '' .
`` It 's difficult , if you go too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which are n't effective for too long , by which time it becomes difficult to get the right motivation to do it , '' he said .
`` If you do it too late , then obviously you 've missed the chance to make the big difference .
`` So the timing of this is really , really important . ''
• Health Secretary Matt Hancock says the government is not considering stopping flights into the UK • More than 140 Britons are stranded on a cruise ship off California 's coast • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from coronavirus tells Sky News how he went from `` a bit sniffly '' to being unable to breathe • The Vatican confirms its first case of coronavirus in Vatican City • Germany reports 134 new coronavirus cases in less than 24 hours • Cameroon and Serbia confirm their first cases of the disease • Indian carmaker Tata Motors issues a profit warning at its British luxury car brand Jaguar Land Rover due to sales in China taking a hit over coronavirus • South Korea reports 309 new cases , taking the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Australia are rationing toilet roll , while armed robbers carried out a heist of a delivery in Hong Kong • There are more than 98,690 confirmed and suspected cases globally , according to Johns Hopkins University , which is tracking the outbreak .
It says there have been more than 3,380 deaths The government 's planning for a worst-case scenario suggests 80 % of the UK population will be infected with coronavirus , with a death rate of around 1 % .
However , Sir Patrick said he expected it `` to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highlighted how Wuhan , the capital of China 's Hubei province where the global coronavirus outbreak began , had an infection rate of less than 80 % and a death rate of less than 1 % .
Sir Patrick described coronavirus as `` very infectious '' and `` more dangerous than flu '' , but added it was a `` million miles '' from diseases such as ebola .
`` For 98-99 % of people , this is going to be a mild illness , '' he said '' For a smaller number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And for a smaller number again this can lead to death , particularly in the elderly and those who have got other co-existing medical problems . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Sir Patrick said a coronavirus outbreak in the UK was likely to take 12 weeks to reach a peak and maybe `` another 12 weeks to go away again '' .
He reiterated that the best thing for people to do is to wash their hands more regularly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travelled to affected areas .

The government is "looking at" the isolation of whole households during the coronavirus outbreak, its chief scientific adviser has told Sky News.
Sir Patrick Vallance said the "more extreme" action was being modelled by the government as it considers options to deal with COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.
Latest figures show there have been 116 cases of COVID-19 in the UK, which has more than doubled in the last 48 hours.
This is out of nearly 18,000 people tested.
One woman in her 70s with underlying health conditions has died after catching coronavirus.
Sir Patrick, who is helping to coordinate the UK's response to the virus as the government's chief scientific adviser, offered his "sincere condolences" to the woman's relatives and friends.
He confirmed the government is preparing to move to the "delay" stage of its four-phase approach to coronavirus, which involves attempting to suppress the peak of a mass outbreak in the UK.
On Thursday night, the government updated travel advice for those who have returned from Italy within the last two weeks.
Those who have come back from the country and develop symptoms, however mild, should self-isolate and call the NHS on 111.
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And those who have returned from specific lockdown areas in Italy should self-isolate and call 111 even if they don't have symptoms.
Sir Patrick described self-isolation as "really critical" and "a very key part of what can be done".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:54 Coronavirus: UK's strategy explained
Describing what further action might be taken by the government, Sir Patrick told Sky News: "There are then more extreme versions when you think about households isolating as well.
"Self-isolation is possibly usually within houses, it means that you stay in your room, you get things delivered to it and stay there for 14 days.
"Household isolation would mean the household - that's obviously an more extreme move.
"Again, we're modelling that we're looking at that in terms of what the options might be."
But Sir Patrick stressed it is "important these measures aren't taken too early".
"It's difficult, if you go too early you ask people to do things which aren't effective for too long, by which time it becomes difficult to get the right motivation to do it," he said.
"If you do it too late, then obviously you've missed the chance to make the big difference.
"So the timing of this is really, really important."
In other developments:
Health Secretary Matt Hancock says the government is not considering stopping flights into the UK
More than 140 Britons are stranded on a cruise ship off California's coast
One of the first Britons to suffer from coronavirus tells Sky News how he went from "a bit sniffly" to being unable to breathe
to suffer from coronavirus tells Sky News how he went from "a bit sniffly" to being unable to breathe Religious groups issue guidance on hand-shaking, sharing hymn books and taking communion wine
The Vatican confirms its first case of coronavirus in Vatican City
Germany reports 134 new coronavirus cases in less than 24 hours
Cameroon and Serbia confirm their first cases of the disease
Indian carmaker Tata Motors issues a profit warning at its British luxury car brand Jaguar Land Rover due to sales in China taking a hit over coronavirus
South Korea reports 309 new cases, taking the country's total to nearly 6,600
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas declares a state of emergency over coronavirus
Shops in Australia are rationing toilet roll, while armed robbers carried out a heist of a delivery in Hong Kong
There are more than 98,690 confirmed and suspected cases globally, according to Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the outbreak. It says there have been more than 3,380 deaths
The government's planning for a worst-case scenario suggests 80% of the UK population will be infected with coronavirus, with a death rate of around 1%.
However, Sir Patrick said he expected it "to be less than that".
He highlighted how Wuhan, the capital of China's Hubei province where the global coronavirus outbreak began, had an infection rate of less than 80% and a death rate of less than 1%.
Sir Patrick described coronavirus as "very infectious" and "more dangerous than flu", but added it was a "million miles" from diseases such as ebola.
"For 98-99% of people, this is going to be a mild illness," he said
"For a smaller number this can turn into a serious pneumonia. And for a smaller number again this can lead to death, particularly in the elderly and those who have got other co-existing medical problems."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Sir Patrick said a coronavirus outbreak in the UK was likely to take 12 weeks to reach a peak and maybe "another 12 weeks to go away again".
He reiterated that the best thing for people to do is to wash their hands more regularly and to self-isolate if they had recently travelled to affected areas.
Virus Outbreak: Global Emergency - Watch a special Sky News programme on coronavirus at 6pm weekdays


skynewspolitics--2020-03-06--'Stop hiding': Rudd hits out at Oxford students who no-platformed her

Former cabinet minister Amber Rudd has condemned `` rude '' students at Oxford University after she was no-platformed from an event with just half-an-hour 's notice .
The ex-Conservative MP , a former home secretary and work and pensions secretary , saw a planned appearance at an International Women 's Day event cancelled at short notice on Thursday night .
It came after some students had criticised the invitation for Ms Rudd to appear at the `` in conversation '' event due to her handling of the Windrush scandal - over which she was forced to resign - and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One student had accused Ms Rudd of `` exacerbating racial and class tensions '' and having taken `` consistently deleterious actions towards vulnerable communities '' during her time in office .
Ms Rudd called on students to `` stop hiding and start engaging '' as she criticised the decision to cancel the event .
She posted on Twitter : `` Badly judged & rude of some students last night at Oxford to decide to 'no platform ' me 30 mins before an event I had been invited to for # IWD2020 to encourage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should stop hiding and start engaging .
# FreeSpeech '' '' Can not believe mum was 'no-platformed ' at my old Uni yesterday , '' she tweeted .
`` Mum doesnt need the platform and travelled to talk for FREE for International Womens Day-proceeds to FGM charity '' I do n't care if you disagree with her .
Its f****** rude .
This is NOT how women should treat each other . ''
Jacob Rees-Mogg , the Leader of the House of Commons , said : `` Free speech is the bedrock of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lead the way rather than being snowflake central . ''
The cancellation of Thursday night 's event , to be hosted by Oxford University 's UN Women society , came after students were asked to submit a feedback form to offer their thoughts on Ms Rudd 's planned appearance .
The society posted on its Facebook page on Monday : `` The concerns we see happening now around this event are absolutely ones which we as a committee feel ourselves .
`` We invited Ms Rudd on the understanding that this would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her policies have impacted wom*n of all races , religions , classes etcetera .
`` We will not run away from mentioning any of Ms Rudd 's past comments or policies . ''
An hour before the event was due to start , an update on the society 's Facebook page read : `` Following a majority vote in committee , tonight 's event with speaker Amber Rudd has been cancelled .
`` We are deeply sorry for all and any hurt caused to our members and other wom*n and non binary people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On Wednesday , Oxford University 's independent Cherwell newspaper published an article on its website from a student angry at the decision to invite Ms Rudd to the event .
`` In the context of the painful lack of diversity in Oxford , and the wider atmosphere of the continued hostile environment , the last thing we need is Amber Rudd being hailed as a feminist advocate in our institution , '' they wrote .
`` The socialist and inclusive roots of International Women 's Day deserve to be respected this week rather @ @ @ @ @

Former cabinet minister Amber Rudd has condemned "rude" students at Oxford University after she was no-platformed from an event with just half-an-hour's notice.
The ex-Conservative MP, a former home secretary and work and pensions secretary, saw a planned appearance at an International Women's Day event cancelled at short notice on Thursday night.
It came after some students had criticised the invitation for Ms Rudd to appear at the "in conversation" event due to her handling of the Windrush scandal - over which she was forced to resign - and the policies she supported while in government.
One student had accused Ms Rudd of "exacerbating racial and class tensions" and having taken "consistently deleterious actions towards vulnerable communities" during her time in office.
Image: The event was cancelled by Oxford University's UN Women society
Ms Rudd called on students to "stop hiding and start engaging" as she criticised the decision to cancel the event.
She posted on Twitter: "Badly judged & rude of some students last night at Oxford to decide to 'no platform' me 30 mins before an event I had been invited to for #IWD2020 to encourage young women into politics.
"They should stop hiding and start engaging. #FreeSpeech"
Ms Rudd's daughter, journalist Flora Gill, branded the action "f****** rude".
"Can not believe mum was 'no-platformed' at my old Uni yesterday," she tweeted.
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"Mum doesnt need the platform and travelled to talk for FREE for International Womens Day-proceeds to FGM charity
"I don't care if you disagree with her. Its f****** rude. This is NOT how women should treat each other."
:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Jacob Rees-Mogg, the leader of the House of Commons, said: "Free speech is the bedrock of a democracy and Oxford University ought to lead the way rather than being snowflake central."
Former Labour deputy leader Tom Watson also criticised the action as "anti-democratic".
The cancellation of Thursday night's event, to be hosted by an Oxford student society supporting the work of UN Women UK, came after students were asked to submit a feedback form to offer their thoughts on Ms Rudd's planned appearance.
The student society posted on its Facebook page on Monday: "The concerns we see happening now around this event are absolutely ones which we as a committee feel ourselves.
"We invited Ms Rudd on the understanding that this would be an honest and frank conversation about how her policies have impacted wom*n of all races, religions, classes etcetera.
"We will not run away from mentioning any of Ms Rudd's past comments or policies."
An hour before the event was due to start, an update on the student society's Facebook page read: "Following a majority vote in committee, tonight's event with speaker Amber Rudd has been cancelled.
"We are deeply sorry for all and any hurt caused to our members and other wom*n and non binary people in Oxford over this event."
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On Wednesday, Oxford University's independent Cherwell newspaper published an article on its website from a student angry at the decision to invite Ms Rudd to the event.
"In the context of the painful lack of diversity in Oxford, and the wider atmosphere of the continued hostile environment, the last thing we need is Amber Rudd being hailed as a feminist advocate in our institution," they wrote.
"The socialist and inclusive roots of International Women's Day deserve to be respected this week rather than arbitrarily tarnished."


skynewspolitics--2020-03-05--Brexit preparations cost taxpayer more than £4bn

Brexit has resulted in more than £4bn of additional costs to the taxpayer , according to Whitehall 's spending watchdog .
The National Audit Office ( NAO ) said that between the EU referendum in June 2016 and 31 March this year , government departments will have spent at least £4.4bn .
A total of £6.3bn was allocated by the Treasury to prepare for Britain 's EU exit , which happened at the end of January .
The preparations included planning for both `` deal '' and `` no deal '' scenarios .
A total of £2bn was earmarked specifically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this being scaled back once the prospects of such an outcome receded .
The NAO said the £4.4bn figure represented a `` minimum estimated level of spend '' because of `` limitations '' in the data provided by departments .
Of the cash spent , £1.9bn was made up of staffing costs , £1.5bn went on building new systems and infrastructure , while £288m was spent on bringing in expertise and external advice .
: : Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The peak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the lead-up to the Brexit deadline at the end of that month that was later pushed back until January .
There were 22,000 staff working on Brexit preparations , including 1,500 who had been shifted within government to prepare for a no-deal scenario .
Gareth Davies , head of the NAO said : `` In preparing for EU exit , government departments planned for multiple potential outcomes , with shifting timetables and uncertainty .
`` Producing this report has highlighted limitations in how government monitored spending on EU exit specifically , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Meg Hillier , chairman of the Commons Public Accounts Committee , expressed concern over a `` lack of transparency '' .
`` The public has been kept in the dark as to what the government has been doing , '' she said .
`` Data is limited , and the Treasury seem unconcerned by the lack of transparency . ''
Although Britain left the bloc on 31 January , it is now in an 11-month transition period in which it will continue to follow EU rules and regulations .
This is to allow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terms of the future relationship .
Despite warnings that this timeframe is too short , Prime Minister Boris Johnson has pledged not to extend the transition period beyond the end of December and walk away from the talks without a trade deal if necessary .

Brexit has resulted in more than £4bn of additional costs to the taxpayer, according to Whitehall's spending watchdog.
The National Audit Office (NAO) said that between the EU referendum in June 2016 and 31 March this year, government departments will have spent at least £4.4bn.
A total of £6.3bn was allocated by the Treasury to prepare for Britain's EU exit, which happened at the end of January.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:43 Now the UK is out of the EU, what next?
The preparations included planning for both "deal" and "no deal" scenarios.
A total of £2bn was earmarked specifically for no-deal preparations in 2019-20, with this being scaled back once the prospects of such an outcome receded.
The NAO said the £4.4bn figure represented a "minimum estimated level of spend" because of "limitations" in the data provided by departments.
Of the cash spent, £1.9bn was made up of staffing costs, £1.5bn went on building new systems and infrastructure, while £288m was spent on bringing in expertise and external advice.
:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The peak of activity came in October 2019, in the lead-up to the Brexit deadline at the end of that month that was later pushed back until January.
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There were 22,000 staff working on Brexit preparations, including 1,500 who had been shifted within government to prepare for a no-deal scenario.
Gareth Davies, head of the NAO said: "In preparing for EU exit, government departments planned for multiple potential outcomes, with shifting timetables and uncertainty.
"Producing this report has highlighted limitations in how government monitored spending on EU exit specifically, and cross-government programmes more generally."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:37 The moment the UK left the EU
MP Meg Hillier, chairman of the Commons Public Accounts Committee, expressed concern over a "lack of transparency".
"The public has been kept in the dark as to what the government has been doing," she said.
"Data is limited, and the Treasury seem unconcerned by the lack of transparency."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:53 This is how the country marked 'Brexit day'
Although Britain left the bloc on 31 January, it is now in an 11-month transition period in which it will continue to follow EU rules and regulations.
This is to allow both sides the time to negotiate the terms of the future relationship.
Despite warnings that this timeframe is too short, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has pledged not to extend the transition period beyond the end of December and walk away from the talks without a trade deal if necessary.


skynewspolitics--2020-03-06--Coronavirus: PM warns of 'substantial period of disruption'

Boris Johnson has warned there will be `` a substantial period of disruption '' due to a coronavirus outbreak in the UK .
As he announced the government is ploughing an extra £46m into efforts to combat coronavirus , the prime minister admitted a need to be `` realistic '' about the effects of COVID-19 .
`` It looks to me as though there will be a substantial period of disruption when we have to deal with this outbreak , '' he said .
`` How big that will be , how long that will be , I think , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But , clearly , it is something we are going to have to deal with for quite a while in the UK . ''
Mr Johnson visited a research laboratory in Bedfordshire on Friday to meet scientists working on ways to diagnose those suffering from COVID-19 , the disease that develops from coronavirus , much faster .
The new government cash , which will also be spent on helping to develop a vaccine , is coming from the UK 's multi-billion pound foreign aid budget .
: : Listen to All Out Politics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spotify , Spreaker However , it comes after the government 's chief scientific adviser claimed a working coronavirus vaccine would not be produced in time for the current outbreak .
`` I do n't think we will get the vaccine for this outbreak , '' Sir Patrick Vallance told the BBC .
`` I do n't think we 'll get something in time or at scale for this outbreak . ''
Latest figures show there have been 163 cases of COVID-19 in the UK , with an increase of 47 announced on Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is believed to have died from coronavirus , according to reports on Friday .
The prime minister said developing a vaccine or rapid test for the virus would be `` life changing and life saving '' .
The UK has now invested £65m into research for a COVID-19 vaccine , while Mr Johnson said investment was also being made into drugs to help prevent the transmission of coronavirus from person to person .
`` If we can get a test kit , of the kind they are producing here in the next few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if we can get a vaccine as well , then humanity is going to push back the legions of disease thanks to breakthroughs taking place here , '' Mr Johnson added .
The work by Mologic scientists in Bedfordshire is aimed at allowing health workers , or even people themselves at home , to identify COVID-19 quickly without relying on specialist facilities .
It is hoped this will allow those infected to be treated more quickly , as well as reducing the risk of them passing the virus on to others .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help poorer countries that are currently not able to diagnose COVID-19 at all .
Around one-third of the £46m sum will be handed to humanitarian groups , such as the Red Cross and UNICEF , to help the most vulnerable countries with coronavirus preparations .
Mr Johnson hailed next week 's Budget , to be delivered by new Chancellor Rishi Sunak , as a `` big opportunity '' for the UK , especially in the face of the coronavirus outbreak .
He said : `` You will be seeing in the Budget next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we want to be using this moment , the UK coming out of the EU .
`` All the opportunities that we have - but also dealing with this particular challenge , coronavirus , and set in the general low growth the world is seeing - to make some fantastic investments in the long term . ''
Sir Patrick earlier told Sky News the government is `` looking at '' the isolation of whole households in the face of the coronavirus outbreak .
• Health Secretary Matt Hancock says the government is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ More than 140 Britons are stranded on a cruise ship off California 's coast • One of the first Britons to suffer from coronavirus tells Sky News how he went from `` a bit sniffly '' to being unable to breathe • The Vatican confirms its first case of coronavirus in Vatican City • Germany reports 134 new coronavirus cases in less than 24 hours • Cameroon and Serbia confirm their first cases of the disease • Indian carmaker Tata Motors issues a profit warning at its British luxury car brand Jaguar Land @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a hit over coronavirus • South Korea reports 309 new cases , taking the country 's total to nearly 6,600 • Shops in Australia are rationing toilet roll , while armed robbers carried out a heist of a delivery in Hong Kong • There are more than 98,690 confirmed and suspected cases globally , according to Johns Hopkins University , which is tracking the outbreak .
It says there have been more than 3,380 deaths

Boris Johnson has warned there will be "a substantial period of disruption" due to a coronavirus outbreak in the UK.
As he announced the government is ploughing an extra £46m into efforts to combat coronavirus, the prime minister admitted a need to be "realistic" about the effects of COVID-19.
"It looks to me as though there will be a substantial period of disruption when we have to deal with this outbreak," he said.
"How big that will be, how long that will be, I think, is still an open question.
"But, clearly, it is something we are going to have to deal with for quite a while in the UK."
Image: The UK has so far reported 163 cases of the virus
Mr Johnson visited a research laboratory in Bedfordshire on Friday to meet scientists working on ways to diagnose those suffering from COVID-19, the disease that develops from coronavirus, much faster.
The new government cash, which will also be spent on helping to develop a vaccine, is coming from the UK's multi-billion pound foreign aid budget.
:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
However, it comes after the government's chief scientific adviser claimed a working coronavirus vaccine would not be produced in time for the current outbreak.
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"I don't think we will get the vaccine for this outbreak," Sir Patrick Vallance told the BBC.
"I don't think we'll get something in time or at scale for this outbreak."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:35 Coronavirus has 'higher death rate than flu'
Latest figures show there have been 163 cases of COVID-19 in the UK, with an increase of 47 announced on Friday.
A second person in the UK is believed to have died from coronavirus, according to reports on Friday.
The prime minister said developing a vaccine or rapid test for the virus would be "life changing and life saving".
The UK has now invested £65m into research for a COVID-19 vaccine, while Mr Johnson said investment was also being made into drugs to help prevent the transmission of coronavirus from person to person.
"If we can get a test kit, of the kind they are producing here in the next few months, in a realistic timescale... if we can get a vaccine as well, then humanity is going to push back the legions of disease thanks to breakthroughs taking place here," Mr Johnson added.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:51 Corona virus Spread: 10 January - 6 March
The work by Mologic scientists in Bedfordshire is aimed at allowing health workers, or even people themselves at home, to identify COVID-19 quickly without relying on specialist facilities.
It is hoped this will allow those infected to be treated more quickly, as well as reducing the risk of them passing the virus on to others.
The development of a rapid test will also help poorer countries that are currently not able to diagnose COVID-19 at all.
Around one-third of the £46m sum will be handed to humanitarian groups, such as the Red Cross and UNICEF, to help the most vulnerable countries with coronavirus preparations.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 13:31 Coronavirus: How worried should we be?
Mr Johnson hailed next week's Budget, to be delivered by new Chancellor Rishi Sunak, as a "big opportunity" for the UK, especially in the face of the coronavirus outbreak.
He said: "You will be seeing in the Budget next week all sorts of ways in which we want to be using this moment, the UK coming out of the EU.
"All the opportunities that we have - but also dealing with this particular challenge, coronavirus, and set in the general low growth the world is seeing - to make some fantastic investments in the long term."
Sir Patrick earlier told Sky News the government is "looking at" the isolation of whole households in the face of the coronavirus outbreak.
In other developments:
Health Secretary Matt Hancock says the government is not considering stopping flights into the UK
More than 140 Britons are stranded on a cruise ship off California's coast
One of the first Britons to suffer from coronavirus tells Sky News how he went from "a bit sniffly" to being unable to breathe
to suffer from coronavirus tells Sky News how he went from "a bit sniffly" to being unable to breathe The Vatican confirms its first case of coronavirus in Vatican City
Germany reports 134 new coronavirus cases in less than 24 hours
Cameroon and Serbia confirm their first cases of the disease
Indian carmaker Tata Motors issues a profit warning at its British luxury car brand Jaguar Land Rover due to sales in China taking a hit over coronavirus
South Korea reports 309 new cases, taking the country's total to nearly 6,600
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas declares a state of emergency over coronavirus
Shops in Australia are rationing toilet roll, while armed robbers carried out a heist of a delivery in Hong Kong
There are more than 98,690 confirmed and suspected cases globally, according to Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the outbreak. It says there have been more than 3,380 deaths
Virus Outbreak: Global Emergency - Watch a special Sky News programme on coronavirus at 6pm weekdays


skynewspolitics--2020-03-06--'Tampon tax' to be scrapped in next week's budget

The government will scrap VAT on women 's sanitary products in next week 's budget , in a move being celebrated by `` tampon tax '' campaigners .
There is currently a 5 % levy on women 's sanitary products , which ministers have been prevented from removing due to EU rules on VAT .
The bloc 's member states are unable to reduce the VAT rate below 5 % because tampons and pads are treated as `` non-essential '' or `` luxury '' items .
Now , in the first Budget since the UK left the EU on 31 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to announce the charge will finally be removed .
Under the expected plans , VAT on sanitary products will be abolished from 1 January 2021 .
This is when the UK leaves the Brexit transition period - during which the country retains the status quo of EU membership .
The Treasury estimates the move will save the average woman nearly £40 over her lifetime , with a cut of 7p on a pack of 20 tampons and 5p on 12 pads .
The campaign to scrap the `` tampon tax '' has included @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2014 by Laura Coryton .
It was signed by more than 300,000 supporters In 2015 , then chancellor George Osborne announced the money raised by VAT on sanitary products would be spent directly on charities that help women under the Tampon Tax Fund .
In March 2016 , former prime minister David Cameron claimed victory in persuading other EU leaders to support his plan to abolish VAT on sanitary products .
At the time , Mr Cameron faced pressure from Conservative eurosceptics - ahead of the EU referendum - who were angry at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own VAT rates .
In 2018 , the EU published proposals for an overhaul of VAT rules , which would allow member states to choose one exemption from VAT .
The government 's commitment to scrapping the `` tampon tax '' has already been legislated for through laws passed in 2016. : : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Responding to Mr Sunak 's expected announcement , Ms Coryton said : `` This is amazing and such a cause for celebration .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ about this for generations and finally we 're being listened to .
`` But that does n't mean that the fight is over .
`` We 're still having to talk about tampon tax until the deadline that the government has just set is reached in December 2020 - and we wo n't stop talking about the tampon tax until supermarkets respond by lowering their prices . ''
Other campaigners also welcomed the news but expressed concern the government would also close down the Tampon Tax Fund .
Vivienne Hayes , the chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charity , said : `` We are concerned that the Tampon Tax Fund will now be abandoned by the government and we hope to see a replacement fund for women 's health and support charities announced in the near future . ''
She also called for Prime Minister Boris Johnson to `` pay back the tampon tax '' and spend the estimated £700m raised by the historical VAT charge on women 's charities .

The government will scrap VAT on women's sanitary products in next week's budget, in a move being celebrated by "tampon tax" campaigners.
There is currently a 5% levy on women's sanitary products, which ministers have been prevented from removing due to EU rules on VAT.
The bloc's member states are unable to reduce the VAT rate below 5% because tampons and pads are treated as "non-essential" or "luxury" items.
Now, in the first Budget since the UK left the EU on 31 January, Chancellor Rishi Sunak is expected to announce the charge will finally be removed.
Under the expected plans, VAT on sanitary products will be abolished from 1 January 2021.
This is when the UK leaves the Brexit transition period - during which the country retains the status quo of EU membership.
Image: Chancellor Rishi Sunak is expected to announce the move at Wednesday's Budget
The Treasury estimates the move will save the average woman nearly £40 over her lifetime, with a cut of 7p on a pack of 20 tampons and 5p on 12 pads.
The campaign to scrap the "tampon tax" has included a Change.org online petition which began in 2014 by Laura Coryton.
It was signed by more than 300,000 supporters
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In 2015, then chancellor George Osborne announced the money raised by VAT on sanitary products would be spent directly on charities that help women under the Tampon Tax Fund.
In March 2016, former prime minister David Cameron claimed victory in persuading other EU leaders to support his plan to abolish VAT on sanitary products.
At the time, Mr Cameron faced pressure from Conservative eurosceptics - ahead of the EU referendum - who were angry at the UK's inability to set its own VAT rates.
In 2018, the EU published proposals for an overhaul of VAT rules, which would allow member states to choose one exemption from VAT.
The government's commitment to scrapping the "tampon tax" has already been legislated for through laws passed in 2016.
:: Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Responding to Mr Sunak's expected announcement, Ms Coryton said: "This is amazing and such a cause for celebration.
"So many people have been campaigning about this for generations and finally we're being listened to.
"But that doesn't mean that the fight is over.
"We're still having to talk about tampon tax until the deadline that the government has just set is reached in December 2020 - and we won't stop talking about the tampon tax until supermarkets respond by lowering their prices."
Other campaigners also welcomed the news but expressed concern the government would also close down the Tampon Tax Fund.
Vivienne Hayes, the chief executive of the Women's Resource Centre charity, said: "We are concerned that the Tampon Tax Fund will now be abandoned by the government and we hope to see a replacement fund for women's health and support charities announced in the near future."
She also called for Prime Minister Boris Johnson to "pay back the tampon tax" and spend the estimated £700m raised by the historical VAT charge on women's charities.


skynewspolitics--2020-03-06--PM faces Tory rebellion over Huawei in Commons vote

Senior Tories are seeking to ban Huawei from a role in the UK 's mobile networks by 2023 - a move that might inflict the first parliamentary defeat on Boris Johnson since the general election .
Led by former Conservative leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith , a group is seeking to amend government legislation to ensure `` high-risk vendors '' are not used beyond 31 December , 2022 .
It follows the controversial decision by Mr Johnson to allow Huawei to build parts of the UK 's 5G networks .
Critics allege the firm has close links to the Chinese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for espionage purposes - something the company has always denied .
Sir Iain 's amendment has been tabled to the Telecommunications Infrastructure ( Leasehold Property ) Bill and could be put to a vote in the House of Commons on Tuesday .
It is being supported by former Cabinet ministers Owen Paterson , David Davis and Damian Green , as well as Tom Tugendhat , the chair of the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee , and Sir Graham Brady , chair of the 1922 committee of Tory backbenchers .
Following his general election victory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MPs would have to rebel against the government to inflict a parliamentary defeat on Mr Johnson .
Bob Seely , another Tory MP supporting the amendment , played down the prospects of this happening on Tuesday and said the move was instead aimed at `` laying down a marker '' ahead of other legislation later in the year .
`` We want to work with the government , not to defeat it , '' he told the PA news agency .
`` We want to co-operate with the government to get a better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a `` high-risk vendor '' by the National Cyber Security Centre .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker In January , Mr Johnson confirmed Huawei would be able to build `` non-core '' parts of the UK 's 5G networks .
But a series of conditions will be attached on the company 's involvement , including a 35 % cap on `` high-risk '' vendors accessing non-sensitive parts of the network .
US President Donald Trump has previously suggested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Five Eyes '' allies - the UK , Canada , Australia and New Zealand - could be put at risk if the UK worked with the firm .
A spokesman for the prime minister said on Friday : `` We 've always been clear that we want to get to a position where we do not have to use high risk vendors in our telecoms network but we will continue to keep the 35 % cap under review .
`` Our intention is for this share to reduce as market diversification takes place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've been clear that our world-leading cyber security experts are satisfied with our approach and it wo n't impact on our ability to share intelligence . ''
Later on Friday , the Commons defence committee annouced it has launched an inquiry into the security of equipment in 5G networks supplied by Huawei .
Tory MP Tobias Ellwood , the committee 's chair , said : `` We will work to understand the legitimate concerns around the government 's decision to allow Huawei to contribute to the 5G network in the UK .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made with eyes wide open , and we will not shy away from tackling the public 's concerns head on . ''
Earlier this week , Sir Iain told a parliamentary debate that allowing Huawei to be involved in 5G infrastructure was like Britain having allowed Nazis to be involved in the development of radar in 1939 .

Senior Tories are seeking to ban Huawei from a role in the UK's mobile networks by 2023 - a move that might inflict the first parliamentary defeat on Boris Johnson since the general election.
Led by former Conservative leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith, a group is seeking to amend government legislation to ensure "high-risk vendors" are not used beyond 31 December, 2022.
It follows the controversial decision by Mr Johnson to allow Huawei to build parts of the UK's 5G networks.
Critics allege the firm has close links to the Chinese government and its equipment could be used for espionage purposes - something the company has always denied.
Image: Some Tory MPs are unhappy at Huawei's involvement in the UK's 5G networks
Sir Iain's amendment has been tabled to the Telecommunications Infrastructure (Leasehold Property) Bill and could be put to a vote in the House of Commons on Tuesday.
It is being supported by former Cabinet ministers Owen Paterson, David Davis and Damian Green, as well as Tom Tugendhat, the chair of the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, and Sir Graham Brady, chair of the 1922 committee of Tory backbenchers.
Following his general election victory in December, at least 40 Conservative MPs would have to rebel against the government to inflict a parliamentary defeat on Mr Johnson.
Bob Seely, another Tory MP supporting the amendment, played down the prospects of this happening on Tuesday and said the move was instead aimed at "laying down a marker" ahead of other legislation later in the year.
"We want to work with the government, not to defeat it," he told the PA news agency.
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"We want to co-operate with the government to get a better solution."
Huawei has been designated a "high-risk vendor" by the National Cyber Security Centre.
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In January, Mr Johnson confirmed Huawei would be able to build "non-core" parts of the UK's 5G networks.
But a series of conditions will be attached on the company's involvement, including a 35% cap on "high-risk" vendors accessing non-sensitive parts of the network.
US President Donald Trump has previously suggested future intelligence-sharing co-operation with America's "Five Eyes" allies - the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand - could be put at risk if the UK worked with the firm.
A spokesman for the prime minister said on Friday: "We've always been clear that we want to get to a position where we do not have to use high risk vendors in our telecoms network but we will continue to keep the 35% cap under review.
"Our intention is for this share to reduce as market diversification takes place."
They added: "We've been clear that our world-leading cyber security experts are satisfied with our approach and it won't impact on our ability to share intelligence."
Later on Friday, the Commons defence committee annouced it has launched an inquiry into the security of equipment in 5G networks supplied by Huawei.
Tory MP Tobias Ellwood, the committee's chair, said: "We will work to understand the legitimate concerns around the government's decision to allow Huawei to contribute to the 5G network in the UK.
"A decision of this magnitude must be made with eyes wide open, and we will not shy away from tackling the public's concerns head on."
Earlier this week, Sir Iain told a parliamentary debate that allowing Huawei to be involved in 5G infrastructure was like Britain having allowed Nazis to be involved in the development of radar in 1939.


skynewspolitics--2020-03-06--Priti Patel victim of 'smear campaign', say 100 supporters

Nearly 100 people who have worked with Priti Patel have launched a public defence of the home secretary as she faces bullying allegations .
In a letter to the Daily Telegraph , the group claimed Ms Patel has been the victim of `` an extraordinary campaign of gossip and smears , conducted by anonymous individuals via secret briefings and innuendo '' .
Among the 92 signatories to the letter were ex-Charity Commission chair William Shawcross , Conservative Party election strategist Sir Lynton Crosby , Hindu Forum of Britain president Trupti Patel and Tory peer Lord Suri , who was previously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sikhs .
The group said they have all worked for Ms Patel `` either formally or informally… or been involved in campaigning with and for her '' often at times when the Conservative minister has been `` at times of stress and high emotion '' .
`` We do not recognise the picture that has been painted of her this week , '' they wrote .
`` She is certainly a tough , assertive and effective leader , but even under extreme pressure she has never crossed a line or lost her temper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but is always professional .
`` She gives her all for this country and deserves far better treatment than she has received .
`` Those of us who have been employed by her at difficult times in our lives - during illness , a personal crisis or bereavement - also know how caring and compassionate she can be . ''
A Cabinet Office investigation has been launched to `` establish the facts '' amid numerous claims against Ms Patel .
The home secretary has been under pressure since Sir Philip Rutnam , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quit and vowed to sue the government for constructive dismissal .
He also said he had heard claims of Ms Patel `` shouting and swearing , belittling people , making unreasonable and repeated demands '' .
There have also been other claims about Ms Patel from her time in other government departments .
Ms Patel rejects all the allegations against her and has been given fulsome support by Prime Minister Boris Johnson , who has said he will `` stick with Prit '' , as well as other leading Tories .
: : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker In their letter , the group of 92 said they were `` shocked '' by the `` campaign '' against Ms Patel , as she tries to `` turn around '' the `` notoriously dysfunctional '' Home Office .
They added : `` It is surely wrong that anyone can be publicly traduced on the basis of malicious rumours spread by people who refuse to reveal their identities or even provide verifiable facts .
`` All the more so when those like us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her , say that the picture being painted is utterly false . ''

Nearly 100 people who have worked with Priti Patel have launched a public defence of the home secretary as she faces bullying allegations.
In a letter to the Daily Telegraph, the group claimed Ms Patel has been the victim of "an extraordinary campaign of gossip and smears, conducted by anonymous individuals via secret briefings and innuendo".
Among the 92 signatories to the letter were ex-Charity Commission chair William Shawcross, Conservative Party election strategist Sir Lynton Crosby, Hindu Forum of Britain president Trupti Patel and Tory peer Lord Suri, who was previously general secretary of the Board of British Sikhs.
The group said they have all worked for Ms Patel "either formally or informally… or been involved in campaigning with and for her" often at times when the Conservative minister has been "at times of stress and high emotion".
Image: Tory election strategist Sir Lynton Crosby was among the signatories
"We do not recognise the picture that has been painted of her this week," they wrote.
"She is certainly a tough, assertive and effective leader, but even under extreme pressure she has never crossed a line or lost her temper.
"She expects high standards, but is always professional.
"She gives her all for this country and deserves far better treatment than she has received.
"Those of us who have been employed by her at difficult times in our lives - during illness, a personal crisis or bereavement - also know how caring and compassionate she can be."
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 51:52 Should Priti Patel be defended?
A Cabinet Office investigation has been launched to "establish the facts" amid numerous claims against Ms Patel.
The home secretary has been under pressure since Sir Philip Rutnam, the Home Office's top civil servant, quit and vowed to sue the government for constructive dismissal.
He also said he had heard claims of Ms Patel "shouting and swearing, belittling people, making unreasonable and repeated demands".
There have also been other claims about Ms Patel from her time in other government departments.
Ms Patel rejects all the allegations against her and has been given fulsome support by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who has said he will "stick with Prit", as well as other leading Tories.
:: Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
In their letter, the group of 92 said they were "shocked" by the "campaign" against Ms Patel, as she tries to "turn around" the "notoriously dysfunctional" Home Office.
They added: "It is surely wrong that anyone can be publicly traduced on the basis of malicious rumours spread by people who refuse to reveal their identities or even provide verifiable facts.
"All the more so when those like us, who know and have worked with her, say that the picture being painted is utterly false."


skynewspolitics--2020-03-07--Chancellor set to protect access to cash under new laws

The chancellor is set to commit to new laws to protect the future of cash in next week 's budget , which comes as bank branches and free-to-use ATMs are disappearing from the high street .
Rishi Sunak 's measures will aim to ensure people who rely on cash , including vulnerable groups and local communities across the UK , can access it as and when they need it .
The Treasury is expected to start talks with the Bank of England , the Financial Conduct Authority and the Payment Systems Regulator about legislation immediately after the budget on 11 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is whether to give watchdogs new powers to ensure banks continue to properly support their customers ' cash needs .
Around two million people in the UK still rely on cash for their day-to-day spending - with three in 10 payments still made using notes and coins .
The rapid disappearance of many bank branches and free-to-use cash machines has fuelled concerns about people 's ability to continue accessing hard cash .
50 million adults used cash machines in 2018 , with 87 % of them using one at least once a week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a new system for moving money around the country , so cash remains accessible for those who use it every day .
International examples which the UK could take inspiration from include Sweden , which legislated to require large banks to provide their customers with facilities for withdrawing cash .
Mr Sunak said : `` People across Britain work hard for their money , with millions relying on coins and notes to make their daily payments .
`` That 's why , at next week 's budget , I 'll be making sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their earnings in whatever way they want . ''
The abolishment of the so-called tampon tax is also set to feature in the Budget , with the chancellor committing to slashing the VAT on women 's sanitary products to zero .
The Treasury estimates the move will save the average woman nearly £40 over her lifetime , with a cut of 7p on a pack of 20 tampons and 5p on 12 pads .
Mr Sunak is planning to announce on Wednesday that the widely-unpopular tax will end with the Brexit transition period @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU law has so far prevented member states from reducing the rate below 5 % , which means tampons and pads are treated as luxury items and not essentials .
But the government plans to introduce the zero rate on 1 January , the first day the laws no longer apply to the UK .
Critics have long criticised the tax for contributing to `` period poverty '' , where sanitary products are pushed out of reach because of their cost .
The UK currently uses the revenues raised to fund charities which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been allocated since the scheme was launched in 2015 .
Campaigners welcomed the move but raised concerns the Treasury is not planning to replace the Tampon Tax Fund with other investment .
The chief executive of the Women 's Resource Centre charity , Vivienne Hayes , said : `` We are over the moon to learn of this news , tampons and sanitary towels were never luxury items and should never have been subject to VAT .
`` Congratulations to all the women who campaigned so long for this ridiculous and unfair tax @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concerned that the Tampon Tax Fund will now be abandoned by the government and we hope to see a replacement fund for women 's health and support charities announced in the near future . ''
There has also been speculation that Mr Sunak is set to end the decade-long freeze on fuel duty in next week 's budget amid pressure to encourage motorists to switch to electric cars and other more sustainable methods of transport .

The chancellor is set to commit to new laws to protect the future of cash in next week's budget, which comes as bank branches and free-to-use ATMs are disappearing from the high street.
Rishi Sunak's measures will aim to ensure people who rely on cash, including vulnerable groups and local communities across the UK, can access it as and when they need it.
The Treasury is expected to start talks with the Bank of England, the Financial Conduct Authority and the Payment Systems Regulator about legislation immediately after the budget on 11 March.
One area being looked at is whether to give watchdogs new powers to ensure banks continue to properly support their customers' cash needs.
Around two million people in the UK still rely on cash for their day-to-day spending - with three in 10 payments still made using notes and coins.
The rapid disappearance of many bank branches and free-to-use cash machines has fuelled concerns about people's ability to continue accessing hard cash.
50 million adults used cash machines in 2018, with 87% of them using one at least once a week.
The Treasury wants banks to create a new system for moving money around the country, so cash remains accessible for those who use it every day.
Image: Chancellor Rishi Sunak is expected to protect the future of cash in next week's budget
International examples which the UK could take inspiration from include Sweden, which legislated to require large banks to provide their customers with facilities for withdrawing cash.
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Mr Sunak said: "People across Britain work hard for their money, with millions relying on coins and notes to make their daily payments.
"That's why, at next week's budget, I'll be making sure they can continue to access and spend their earnings in whatever way they want."
The abolishment of the so-called tampon tax is also set to feature in the Budget, with the chancellor committing to slashing the VAT on women's sanitary products to zero.
The Treasury estimates the move will save the average woman nearly £40 over her lifetime, with a cut of 7p on a pack of 20 tampons and 5p on 12 pads.
Mr Sunak is planning to announce on Wednesday that the widely-unpopular tax will end with the Brexit transition period at the end of the year.
EU law has so far prevented member states from reducing the rate below 5%, which means tampons and pads are treated as luxury items and not essentials.
But the government plans to introduce the zero rate on 1 January, the first day the laws no longer apply to the UK.
Critics have long criticised the tax for contributing to "period poverty", where sanitary products are pushed out of reach because of their cost.
The UK currently uses the revenues raised to fund charities which aid vulnerable women, with £62m having been allocated since the scheme was launched in 2015.
Campaigners welcomed the move but raised concerns the Treasury is not planning to replace the Tampon Tax Fund with other investment.
The chief executive of the Women's Resource Centre charity, Vivienne Hayes, said: "We are over the moon to learn of this news, tampons and sanitary towels were never luxury items and should never have been subject to VAT.
"Congratulations to all the women who campaigned so long for this ridiculous and unfair tax to be removed.
"We are concerned that the Tampon Tax Fund will now be abandoned by the government and we hope to see a replacement fund for women's health and support charities announced in the near future."
There has also been speculation that Mr Sunak is set to end the decade-long freeze on fuel duty in next week's budget amid pressure to encourage motorists to switch to electric cars and other more sustainable methods of transport.