skynewspolitics--2020-06-30--'No proven expertise': May attacks Johnson's security adviser hire

Theresa May has attacked Boris Johnson 's choice to be his new national security adviser , saying he has `` no proven expertise '' in the area .
The former prime minister unleashed unusually strong criticism on her successor after Downing Street announced the PM would bring in his chief Brexit negotiator , David Frost , to take on the role of national security adviser .
Mr Frost will replace Sir Mark Sedwill , who is being let go from his senior roles as national security adviser and cabinet secretary from September .
The unusual move by Mr Johnson saw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political adviser .
Mrs May did not hold back her criticism of the major Whitehall shakeup in the House of Commons on Tuesday .
`` I served on the National Security Council for nine years - six years as home secretary , and three as prime minister , '' she told MPs .
`` During that time I listened to the expert independent advice from national security advisers . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Addressing Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , my right honourable friend said , 'We must be able to promote those with proven expertise ' .
`` Why then is the new national security adviser a political appointee with no proven expertise in national security ? ''
Mr Gove responded by paying tribute to Sir Mark 's unusually short service at the top of the civil service .
He explained : `` We have had previous national security advisers - all of them excellent , not all of them necessarily people who were steeped in the security world , some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their own right .
`` Sir David - sorry David Frost - is a distinguished diplomat in his own right and it 's entirely appropriate that the prime minister of the day should choose an adviser appropriate to the needs of the hour . ''
Lord Ricketts , the UK 's first national security adviser , has also been less than positive about the appointment .
He said the role requires someone with `` deep knowledge '' but instead that Mr Johnson 's priority is `` not to expertise and experience , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
Mr Frost has had a rocketing ride through the civil service , having run the Scotch Whisky Association for two years until joining then-foreign secretary Mr Johnson as a special adviser from 2016 to 2018 .
He was previously the UK 's ambassador to Denmark and held diplomatic posts in Brussels with the European Union and in New York with the United Nations .

Theresa May has attacked Boris Johnson's choice to be his new national security adviser, saying he has "no proven expertise" in the area.
The former prime minister unleashed unusually strong criticism on her successor after Downing Street announced the PM would bring in his chief Brexit negotiator, David Frost, to take on the role of national security adviser.
Mr Frost will replace Sir Mark Sedwill, who is being let go from his senior roles as national security adviser and cabinet secretary from September.
The unusual move by Mr Johnson saw a politically-neutral civil servant replaced with a political adviser.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:55 'Unsatisfactory confusion' over PM's new adviser
Mrs May did not hold back her criticism of the major Whitehall shakeup in the House of Commons on Tuesday.
"I served on the National Security Council for nine years - six years as home secretary, and three as prime minister," she told MPs.
"During that time I listened to the expert independent advice from national security advisers."
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Addressing Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove, she continued: "On Saturday, my right honourable friend said, 'We must be able to promote those with proven expertise'.
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"Why then is the new national security adviser a political appointee with no proven expertise in national security?"
Mr Gove responded by paying tribute to Sir Mark's unusually short service at the top of the civil service.
Image: David Frost (left) is taking on a new role along with that of Brexit negotiator
He explained: "We have had previous national security advisers - all of them excellent, not all of them necessarily people who were steeped in the security world, some of them who were distinguished diplomats in their own right.
"Sir David - sorry David Frost - is a distinguished diplomat in his own right and it's entirely appropriate that the prime minister of the day should choose an adviser appropriate to the needs of the hour."
Lord Ricketts, the UK's first national security adviser, has also been less than positive about the appointment.
Image: Michael Gove defended the move to appoint Mr Frost
He said the role requires someone with "deep knowledge" but instead that Mr Johnson's priority is "not to expertise and experience, but to political loyalty among his closest advisers".
Mr Frost has had a rocketing ride through the civil service, having run the Scotch Whisky Association for two years until joining then-foreign secretary Mr Johnson as a special adviser from 2016 to 2018.
He was previously the UK's ambassador to Denmark and held diplomatic posts in Brussels with the European Union and in New York with the United Nations.


skynewspolitics--2020-06-30--PM tears up planning rules to kickstart post-coronavirus economic recovery

Boris Johnson has announced he intends to tear up property planning rules to kickstart the UK 's economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic .
It comes as he pledged to `` build , build , build '' by injecting billions of pounds into public projects such as schools , roads , railways and hospitals for an `` infrastructure revolution '' to create jobs and act fast to fix the economy .
The prime minister said `` we can not continue to be prisoners '' of the coronavirus outbreak and that it was vital to plan for the future with new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson said the economy was `` between the lightning flash and the thunderclap '' and now was the moment to not only emerge from the pandemic , but a chance to `` build back better and to build back bolder '' .
The PM pledged the `` most radical reforms '' of planning since the Second World War to build `` faster , greener and better '' and help more people to get onto the housing ladder .
However , he refused to rule out tax rises to pay for his recovery plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buildings will be allowed to change to residential use without the need for a planning application • Builders will no longer need a normal planning application to demolish and rebuild vacant and redundant residential and commercial buildings if they are rebuilt as homes • Property owners will be able to build additional space above their properties via a fast-track approval process , subject to neighbour consultation Outlining his vision and announcing £5bn in capital investment to accelerate infrastructure projects this year , the prime minister compared his approach to former US president Franklin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following the Great Depression of the 1920s .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker New regulations will give greater freedom for buildings and land in town centres to change use without planning permission and create new homes from the regeneration of vacant and redundant buildings .
Under the new rules , existing commercial properties , including newly vacant shops , can be converted into residential housing more easily .
The changes , which are planned to come into effect by September through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revive high streets which have been heavily impacted by the lockdown .
`` We will not be responding to this crisis with what people call austerity , '' he said .
The world has `` moved on since 2008 '' .
Mr Johnson insisted his strategy was to build a `` motivated and highly skilled workforce '' and to boost `` jobs , jobs , jobs '' - but could not put a number on how many jobs his plan will create .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak would outline the details of the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he revealed .
Mr Johnson said : `` This is a government that is wholly committed not just to defeating coronavirus but to using this crisis finally to tackle this country 's great unresolved challenges of the last three decades .
`` To build the homes , to fix the NHS , to tackle the skills crisis , to mend the indefensible gap in opportunity and productivity and connectivity between the regions of the UK .
To unite and level up .
`` To that end we will build , build , build @ @ @ @ @ @ @ greener , build back faster and to do that at the pace that this moment requires . ''
The PM however warned the dangers of coronavirus have not gone away , likening COVID-19 to a shark `` circling '' in the water , and said `` there will still be some tough times ahead '' .
He said it would take `` effort , nerve and patience '' to build the economy `` back to health '' , adding this was the time to be ambitious and `` believe in Britain '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to be economic aftershocks , but there are also big opportunities now to take this country forward , to make investments , to make big changes , '' he added .
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said : `` Well , the Prime Minister promised a new deal , but there is not much that 's new , and , it 's not much of a deal .
`` We are facing an economic crisis , the biggest we have seen in a generation , and the recovery needs to match that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to less than £100 per person , and it 's the re-announcement of many manifesto pledges and commitments .
So , it 's not enough . ''

Boris Johnson has announced he intends to tear up property planning rules to kickstart the UK's economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.
It comes as he pledged to "build, build, build" by injecting billions of pounds into public projects such as schools, roads, railways and hospitals for an "infrastructure revolution" to create jobs and act fast to fix the economy.
The prime minister said "we cannot continue to be prisoners" of the coronavirus outbreak and that it was vital to plan for the future with new levels of energy and speed.
Image: Boris Johnson announced the plans in a keynote speech during a visit to Dudley College of Technology in the West Midlands
Mr Johnson said the economy was "between the lightning flash and the thunderclap" and now was the moment to not only emerge from the pandemic, but a chance to "build back better and to build back bolder".
The PM pledged the "most radical reforms" of planning since the Second World War to build "faster, greener and better" and help more people to get onto the housing ladder.
However, he refused to rule out tax rises to pay for his recovery plan.
Significant changes on planning include:
A wider range of commercial buildings will be allowed to change to residential use without the need for a planning application
Builders will no longer need a normal planning application to demolish and rebuild vacant and redundant residential and commercial buildings if they are rebuilt as homes
Property owners will be able to build additional space above their properties via a fast-track approval process, subject to neighbour consultation
Outlining his vision and announcing £5bn in capital investment to accelerate infrastructure projects this year, the prime minister compared his approach to former US president Franklin D Roosevelt, who focused on investment following the Great Depression of the 1920s.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
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New regulations will give greater freedom for buildings and land in town centres to change use without planning permission and create new homes from the regeneration of vacant and redundant buildings.
Under the new rules, existing commercial properties, including newly vacant shops, can be converted into residential housing more easily.
The changes, which are planned to come into effect by September through changes to the law, aim to revive high streets which have been heavily impacted by the lockdown.
"We will not be responding to this crisis with what people call austerity," he said. The world has "moved on since 2008".
Mr Johnson insisted his strategy was to build a "motivated and highly skilled workforce" and to boost "jobs, jobs, jobs" - but could not put a number on how many jobs his plan will create.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak would outline the details of the first phase of the recovery next week, he revealed.
Image: Boris Johnson has pledged to 'build, build, build' by injecting billions of pounds into public projects
Mr Johnson said: "This is a government that is wholly committed not just to defeating coronavirus but to using this crisis finally to tackle this country's great unresolved challenges of the last three decades.
"To build the homes, to fix the NHS, to tackle the skills crisis, to mend the indefensible gap in opportunity and productivity and connectivity between the regions of the UK. To unite and level up.
"To that end we will build, build, build. Build back better, build back greener, build back faster and to do that at the pace that this moment requires."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:25 Johnson wants to keep tax burden 'reasonable'
The PM however warned the dangers of coronavirus have not gone away, likening COVID-19 to a shark "circling" in the water, and said "there will still be some tough times ahead".
He said it would take "effort, nerve and patience" to build the economy "back to health", adding this was the time to be ambitious and "believe in Britain".
"I fully accept that there are going to be economic aftershocks, but there are also big opportunities now to take this country forward, to make investments, to make big changes," he added.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said: "Well, the Prime Minister promised a new deal, but there is not much that's new, and, it's not much of a deal.
"We are facing an economic crisis, the biggest we have seen in a generation, and the recovery needs to match that.
"What's been announced amounts to less than £100 per person, and it's the re-announcement of many manifesto pledges and commitments. So, it's not enough."


skynewspolitics--2020-06-30--Law will be changed as COVID-19 spike forces Leicester back into lockdown

Ministers will change the law in order to enforce the local coronavirus lockdown in Leicester , the health secretary has told Sky News .
`` We will be bringing forward a legal change very shortly in the next couple of days , '' Matt Hancock said .
`` Some of the measures that we 've unfortunately had to take in Leicester will require a legal underpinning . ''
Mr Hancock said that `` in some cases '' the coronavirus lockdown will be enforced by the police , with legal changes brought in to ensure non-essential retail is no longer open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a spike in COVID-19 cases .
A total of 10 % of all positive cases in the country in the past week have come in the East Midlands city , which means the easing of lockdown across England on Saturday will not take place in Leicester .
Pubs , restaurants , cafes , hairdressers and barbers will remain shut , with people advised against all but essential travel .
Schools will close from Thursday , apart from for vulnerable children and the children of key workers .
Asked how people would be stopped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health secretary replied : `` We 're recommending against all but essential travel both to and from and within Leicester , and as we saw during the peak , the vast majority of people will abide by these rules .
`` Of course we will take further action including putting in place laws if that is necessary , but I very much hope it wo n't be . ''
Despite the local lockdown , Mr Hancock said Leicester 's home Premier League match against Crystal Palace on Saturday will go ahead .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City confirmed fixtures and training are still going ahead .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has talked of a `` whack-a-mole '' strategy for tackling local outbreaks of the virus .
`` The strategy is to allow for the opening up of the rest of the country , giving people their freedoms back where it is safe to do so , '' the health secretary said .
`` But we also need alongside that to take local action where there is a specific flare-up . ''
He said there had been `` a number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detected through coronavirus testing in Leicester .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' That 's why we took the decision , with a heavy heart it has to be said , to close schools in Leicester and in Leicestershire , within the Leicester conurbation . ''
Speaking to Sky News on Tuesday morning , Leicester Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said he had yet to be told what the boundaries of the lockdown will be .
`` As yet , the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be the boundary of this lockdown , '' he said .
`` Actually policing it is going to be something of a challenge until we know actually what the area is to be policed . ''
He added : `` Whether it 's a blue line on a map or a radius from the clock tower right at the heart of the city , I think we all need to know .
As yet , we do n't . ''
Sir Peter later said in a news conference that the local authority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out where the virus is in the city .
He said : `` We do still need to know more about where it is in the community .
`` I 've had lots of speculation and lots of questions about where it is in the community and we have not as yet been able to give satisfactory answers even to ourselves , no matter anybody else , about which parts of the community need the intervention .
`` Which neighbourhoods , which communities , indeed which streets . ''
A map showing where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has since been published .
Labour 's shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds said it is important that `` lessons are learned from what 's happened in Leicester '' .
`` It took a long time for information about the scale of that hotspot to actually be communicated to the local authorities in Leicester , '' she told Sky News .
`` We ca n't have that lengthy delay occurring again .
We really need to speed this up . ''

Ministers will change the law in order to enforce the local coronavirus lockdown in Leicester, the health secretary has told Sky News.
"We will be bringing forward a legal change very shortly in the next couple of days," Matt Hancock said.
"Some of the measures that we've unfortunately had to take in Leicester will require a legal underpinning."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:22 Leicester gets UK's first local lockdown
Mr Hancock said that "in some cases" the coronavirus lockdown will be enforced by the police, with legal changes brought in to ensure non-essential retail is no longer open.
The city is reimposing restrictions following a spike in COVID-19 cases.
A total of 10% of all positive cases in the country in the past week have come in the East Midlands city, which means the easing of lockdown across England on Saturday will not take place in Leicester.
Pubs, restaurants, cafes, hairdressers and barbers will remain shut, with people advised against all but essential travel.
Schools will close from Thursday, apart from for vulnerable children and the children of key workers.
Asked how people would be stopped from travelling outside the city, the health secretary replied: "We're recommending against all but essential travel both to and from and within Leicester, and as we saw during the peak, the vast majority of people will abide by these rules.
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"Of course we will take further action including putting in place laws if that is necessary, but I very much hope it won't be."
Despite the local lockdown, Mr Hancock said Leicester's home Premier League match against Crystal Palace on Saturday will go ahead.
In a statement to Sky News, Leicester City confirmed fixtures and training are still going ahead.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has talked of a "whack-a-mole" strategy for tackling local outbreaks of the virus.
"The strategy is to allow for the opening up of the rest of the country, giving people their freedoms back where it is safe to do so," the health secretary said.
"But we also need alongside that to take local action where there is a specific flare-up."
He said there had been "a number of positive cases in the under-18s" detected through coronavirus testing in Leicester.
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"That's why we took the decision, with a heavy heart it has to be said, to close schools in Leicester and in Leicestershire, within the Leicester conurbation."
Speaking to Sky News on Tuesday morning, Leicester Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said he had yet to be told what the boundaries of the lockdown will be.
"As yet, the government hasn't actually announced what it accepts to be the boundary of this lockdown," he said.
"Actually policing it is going to be something of a challenge until we know actually what the area is to be policed."
He added: "Whether it's a blue line on a map or a radius from the clock tower right at the heart of the city, I think we all need to know. As yet, we don't."
Sir Peter later said in a news conference that the local authority and experts are still trying to work out where the virus is in the city.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:23 Leicester lockdown boundaries 'unknown'
He said: "We do still need to know more about where it is in the community.
"I've had lots of speculation and lots of questions about where it is in the community and we have not as yet been able to give satisfactory answers even to ourselves, no matter anybody else, about which parts of the community need the intervention.
"Which neighbourhoods, which communities, indeed which streets."
A map showing where the localised lockdown will be in force has since been published.
Labour's shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds said it is important that "lessons are learned from what's happened in Leicester".
"It took a long time for information about the scale of that hotspot to actually be communicated to the local authorities in Leicester," she told Sky News.
"We can't have that lengthy delay occurring again. We really need to speed this up."


skynewspolitics--2020-06-29--'Build, build, build': PM channels 1930's US 'new deal' with coronavirus recovery plan

Boris Johnson will attempt to mark a new phase in the coronavirus response today by setting out plans for an `` infrastructure revolution '' to create jobs and stimulate an economic recovery .
The prime minister will invoke the 1930s `` new deal '' of former US President Franklin D Roosevelt as he delivers a major speech in the West Midlands town of Dudley this morning .
He will announce £5bn in capital investment to accelerate infrastructure projects this year , including hospital maintenance works , school building and improvements to the road and rail networks .
But a leading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needed to foot the bill and Labour said there should be more emphasis on jobs coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic , which has so far killed more than 43,000 people in the UK .
A national infrastructure strategy focused on the long-term plans for the country 's energy networks , transport infrastructure , flood defences and waste handling will be published in the autumn .
But the prime minister 's grand building plan has already been overshadowed by a spike in cases in Leicester , where the infection rate is three times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forcing a return to strict lockdown rules .
By comparing his approach to that of Roosevelt 's investment-based response to the Great Depression of the 1920s , Mr Johnson will seek to underline his rejection of any return of the austerity measures adopted after the 2008 crash .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker According to Downing Street , the prime minister is expected to say : `` It sounds positively Rooseveltian .
It sounds like a new deal .
`` All @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , then that is how it is meant to sound and to be , because that is what the times demand .
`` A government that is powerful and determined and that puts its arms around people at a time of crisis . ''
He will add : `` This is a government that is wholly committed not just to defeating coronavirus but to using this crisis finally to tackle this country 's great unresolved challenges of the last three decades .
`` To build the homes , to fix the NHS , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mend the indefensible gap in opportunity and productivity and connectivity between the regions of the UK .
To unite and level up .
`` To that end we will build , build , build .
Build back better , build back greener , build back faster and to do that at the pace that this moment requires . ''
The total £5bn of capital investment set out by the prime minister will include : • £1.5bn for hospital maintenance to end the need for mental health dormitories and improve A & E capacity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that form the first part of a 10-year school rebuilding programme • £900m for a range of `` shovel ready '' local growth projects in England • £560m for repairs and upgrades to schools and £200m for further education colleges • £142m for upgrading the digital connections of about 100 courts • £100m for 29 road network projects , including bridge repairs in Sandwell , West Midlands , and improvements to the A15 in the Humber • £96m to the Towns Fund to boost investment in town centres and high streets • £83m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facilities , and £60m for temporary prison places • £10m to remove bottlenecks on the Manchester rail network The prime minister will also set out an `` opportunity guarantee '' scheme , which will provide an apprenticeship for all young people who want one .
It comes ahead of an update on the economy due to be delivered by the chancellor next week .
However , economists have warned there will still be a need for `` tough choices '' to be made if the government is to deliver on its election pledge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , chief executive of the Resolution Foundation , said : `` Governments will have to make decisions about tax rises if they are serious about making a big change in ending austerity and the public seeing differences in their public services day to day .
`` What this crisis has done is make tough choices which were already there harder - the level of tax rises you need to achieve the kind of public services you want will have gone up , and the world has become more difficult , but that 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's a very expensive thing , it does lasting damage to our economy , but that 's the world we 're in , that 's what politicians will have to wrestle with , not just for the next six months but for years to come . ''
Labour 's shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds said : `` Unemployment has climbed to its highest level in a generation , and our country is suffering the worst economic hit of all industrialised nations .
`` But instead of the back-to-work budget our country needs focusing on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jobs - the chancellor will only be providing an 'update ' on the economy .
`` We urgently need the Conservatives to abandon their `` one-size-fits-all '' approach to the economic support schemes , which will inevitably lead to additional unemployment .
`` And we need concrete action and a laser-like focus preventing further job losses and supporting future employment . ''

Boris Johnson will attempt to mark a new phase in the coronavirus response today by setting out plans for an "infrastructure revolution" to create jobs and stimulate an economic recovery.
The prime minister will invoke the 1930s "new deal" of former US President Franklin D Roosevelt as he delivers a major speech in the West Midlands town of Dudley this morning.
He will announce £5bn in capital investment to accelerate infrastructure projects this year, including hospital maintenance works, school building and improvements to the road and rail networks.
Image: Boris Johnson will make the pledges in a speech in Dudley
But a leading think tank warned tax rises could be needed to foot the bill and Labour said there should be more emphasis on jobs coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has so far killed more than 43,000 people in the UK.
A national infrastructure strategy focused on the long-term plans for the country's energy networks, transport infrastructure, flood defences and waste handling will be published in the autumn.
But the prime minister's grand building plan has already been overshadowed by a spike in cases in Leicester, where the infection rate is three times higher than the next highest area, forcing a return to strict lockdown rules.
By comparing his approach to that of Roosevelt's investment-based response to the Great Depression of the 1920s, Mr Johnson will seek to underline his rejection of any return of the austerity measures adopted after the 2008 crash.
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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According to Downing Street, the prime minister is expected to say: "It sounds positively Rooseveltian. It sounds like a new deal.
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"All I can say is that if so, then that is how it is meant to sound and to be, because that is what the times demand.
"A government that is powerful and determined and that puts its arms around people at a time of crisis."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:04 How well has the government handled COVID-19?
He will add: "This is a government that is wholly committed not just to defeating coronavirus but to using this crisis finally to tackle this country's great unresolved challenges of the last three decades.
"To build the homes, to fix the NHS, to tackle the skills crisis, to mend the indefensible gap in opportunity and productivity and connectivity between the regions of the UK. To unite and level up.
"To that end we will build, build, build. Build back better, build back greener, build back faster and to do that at the pace that this moment requires."
Image: Franklin D Roosevelt's 'new deal' will be invoked
The total £5bn of capital investment set out by the prime minister will include:
£1.5bn for hospital maintenance to end the need for mental health dormitories and improve A&E capacity
for hospital maintenance to end the need for mental health dormitories and improve A&E capacity More than £1bn towards 50 projects that form the first part of a 10-year school rebuilding programme
towards 50 projects that form the first part of a 10-year school rebuilding programme £900m for a range of "shovel ready" local growth projects in England
for a range of "shovel ready" local growth projects in England £560m for repairs and upgrades to schools and £200m for further education colleges
for repairs and upgrades to schools and £200m for further education colleges £142m for upgrading the digital connections of about 100 courts
for upgrading the digital connections of about 100 courts £100m for 29 road network projects, including bridge repairs in Sandwell, West Midlands, and improvements to the A15 in the Humber
for 29 road network projects, including bridge repairs in Sandwell, West Midlands, and improvements to the A15 in the Humber £96m to the Towns Fund to boost investment in town centres and high streets
to the Towns Fund to boost investment in town centres and high streets £83m for maintenance of prisons and youth offender facilities, and £60m for temporary prison places
for maintenance of prisons and youth offender facilities, and £60m for temporary prison places £10m to remove bottlenecks on the Manchester rail network
The prime minister will also set out an "opportunity guarantee" scheme, which will provide an apprenticeship for all young people who want one. It comes ahead of an update on the economy due to be delivered by the chancellor next week.
However, economists have warned there will still be a need for "tough choices" to be made if the government is to deliver on its election pledge to improve public services.
Torsten Bell, chief executive of the Resolution Foundation, said: "Governments will have to make decisions about tax rises if they are serious about making a big change in ending austerity and the public seeing differences in their public services day to day.
"What this crisis has done is make tough choices which were already there harder - the level of tax rises you need to achieve the kind of public services you want will have gone up, and the world has become more difficult, but that's what a pandemic does.
"It's a very expensive thing, it does lasting damage to our economy, but that's the world we're in, that's what politicians will have to wrestle with, not just for the next six months but for years to come."
Image: The national infrastructure strategy will look at UK energy networks
Labour's shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds said: "Unemployment has climbed to its highest level in a generation, and our country is suffering the worst economic hit of all industrialised nations.
"But instead of the back-to-work budget our country needs focusing on one thing - jobs, jobs, jobs - the chancellor will only be providing an 'update' on the economy.
"We urgently need the Conservatives to abandon their "one-size-fits-all" approach to the economic support schemes, which will inevitably lead to additional unemployment.
"And we need concrete action and a laser-like focus preventing further job losses and supporting future employment."


skynewspolitics--2020-07-01--Who in Hong Kong can now apply to live in the UK - and how they can do it

The UK government has offered a route to British citizenship for nearly three million people living in Hong Kong following the imposition of controversial new security laws by China .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson made the citizenship offer as he described the new legislation as a `` clear and serious breach '' of the deal that saw Hong Kong pass back to China from Britain in 1997 .
There are fears that the new Chinese law will undermine Hong Kong 's freedom , and is aimed at quashing defiance against the mainland .
In an early sign of what could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a flag that called for independence is among those to have already been arrested under the new law .
Who is being offered a route to UK citizenship ?
The UK government is now offering a `` bespoke '' immigration route for those holding British National ( Overseas ) status and their dependents .
Someone who was a British overseas territories citizen by connection with Hong Kong was able to register as a British national ( overseas ) before 1 July 1997 .
British overseas territories citizens from Hong Kong who did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and had no other nationality or citizenship on 30 June 1997 became British overseas citizens on 1 July 1997 .
Under current rules , BNOs can hold a British passport and get consular assistance and protection from UK embassies .
However , they are subject to immigration controls and do not have the automatic right to live or work in the UK .
What are BNOs being offered now ?
Under the bespoke scheme , BNOs are being granted five years ' limited leave to remain in the UK , with the right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five years they will be able to apply for settled status and , after a further 12 months with settled status , they will be able to apply for citizenship .
How many BNOs might apply ?
As of February , there were nearly 350,000 BNO passport holders , while the UK government estimates there are around 2.9 million BNOs living in Hong Kong .
The government has said all those with BNO status will be eligible for the bespoke scheme , as will their family dependants who are usually resident in Hong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there will be `` no quotas on numbers '' for the scheme .
The Home Office will put in place a `` simple , streamlined , application process '' , he added .
Downing Street has said BNOs will be eligible to travel to the UK immediately ahead of the details of the scheme being finalised `` in the coming weeks '' and that they will not face salary thresholds .

The UK government has offered a route to British citizenship for nearly three million people living in Hong Kong following the imposition of controversial new security laws by China.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson made the citizenship offer as he described the new legislation as a "clear and serious breach" of the deal that saw Hong Kong pass back to China from Britain in 1997.
There are fears that the new Chinese law will undermine Hong Kong's freedom, and is aimed at quashing defiance against the mainland.
In an early sign of what could become the norm, a man carrying a flag that called for independence is among those to have already been arrested under the new law.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:45 Water cannon deployed on streets of Hong Kong
Who is being offered a route to UK citizenship?
The UK government is now offering a "bespoke" immigration route for those holding British National (Overseas) status and their dependents.
Someone who was a British overseas territories citizen by connection with Hong Kong was able to register as a British national (overseas) before 1 July 1997.
British overseas territories citizens from Hong Kong who did not register as British nationals (overseas) and had no other nationality or citizenship on 30 June 1997 became British overseas citizens on 1 July 1997.
Under current rules, BNOs can hold a British passport and get consular assistance and protection from UK embassies.
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However, they are subject to immigration controls and do not have the automatic right to live or work in the UK.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:09 Man arrested as Hong Kong protests heat up
What are BNOs being offered now?
Under the bespoke scheme, BNOs are being granted five years' limited leave to remain in the UK, with the right to work or study.
After those five years they will be able to apply for settled status and, after a further 12 months with settled status, they will be able to apply for citizenship.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:34 Carrie Lam defends 'reasonable' security law
How many BNOs might apply?
As of February, there were nearly 350,000 BNO passport holders, while the UK government estimates there are around 2.9 million BNOs living in Hong Kong.
The government has said all those with BNO status will be eligible for the bespoke scheme, as will their family dependants who are usually resident in Hong Kong
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab told MPs there will be "no quotas on numbers" for the scheme.
The Home Office will put in place a "simple, streamlined, application process", he added.
Downing Street has said BNOs will be eligible to travel to the UK immediately ahead of the details of the scheme being finalised "in the coming weeks" and that they will not face salary thresholds.


skynewspolitics--2020-07-01--PM told Tory donor row 'isn't closed' as minister sent 26 fresh questions

A group of MPs has dismissed the prime minister 's claim that a row over a Tory donor 's planning approval is now `` closed '' .
The House of Commons housing , communities and local government committee has also sent 26 fresh questions to Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick - the cabinet minister at the centre of the controversy .
Mr Jenrick has come under pressure over the Westferry Printworks redevelopment scheme in east London , which is being led by former Daily Express owner Richard Desmond 's Northern and Shell firm .
The housing secretary approved the scheme in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inspector , but the decision has since been reversed after legal action by the local council .
Mr Jenrick had to quash his own approval after conceding that the decision was `` unlawful '' due to `` apparent bias '' .
His initial decision to approve the scheme was made a day before new infrastructure charges came into force , which allowed Northern and Shell to avoid paying between £30m and £50m extra to Tower Hamlets Council .
It has since emerged that Mr Desmond personally gave £12,000 to the Conservative Party two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approve the scheme .
Mr Desmond has also revealed he showed Mr Jenrick a video about the Westferry development when they sat together at a Conservative Party fundraising dinner two months before the planning decision .
Downing Street last week said that Prime Minister Boris Johnson `` considers the matter closed '' after Mr Jenrick 's department published a cache of documents , including text messages between him and Mr Desmond .
However , in a letter to Mr Jenrick on Wednesday , Labour MP Clive Betts - the chair of the committee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' with Mr Johnson 's assertion and added `` there are important lessons that must be learned '' .
`` It is important for the committee to scrutinise where it feels that greater transparency is needed within the planning system and to ensure confidence in the fairness of future planning decisions , '' the letter added .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Betts said he was not accusing Mr Jenrick or his officials of `` deliberate wrongdoing '' .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clearly demonstrate that serious mistakes were made during this process , and that these put into doubt your ability to act as a neutral arbiter in this case and created a strong suspicion of bias '' .
He also listed 26 further questions for Mr Jenrick to answer about the Westferry decision by 6 July and repeated his invitation for the cabinet minister to give evidence to the committee in a meeting on 13 July .
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing , Communities and Local Government said : `` The secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ account and the department has published relevant documents online .
`` He will respond to the select committee 's letter in due course . ''

A group of MPs has dismissed the prime minister's claim that a row over a Tory donor's planning approval is now "closed".
The House of Commons housing, communities and local government committee has also sent 26 fresh questions to Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick - the cabinet minister at the centre of the controversy.
Mr Jenrick has come under pressure over the Westferry Printworks redevelopment scheme in east London, which is being led by former Daily Express owner Richard Desmond's Northern and Shell firm.
Image: Robert Jenrick has come under pressure over the planning decision
The housing secretary approved the scheme in January against the recommendation of a planning inspector, but the decision has since been reversed after legal action by the local council.
Mr Jenrick had to quash his own approval after conceding that the decision was "unlawful" due to "apparent bias".
His initial decision to approve the scheme was made a day before new infrastructure charges came into force, which allowed Northern and Shell to avoid paying between £30m and £50m extra to Tower Hamlets Council.
It has since emerged that Mr Desmond personally gave £12,000 to the Conservative Party two weeks after Mr Jenrick stepped in to approve the scheme.
Mr Desmond has also revealed he showed Mr Jenrick a video about the Westferry development when they sat together at a Conservative Party fundraising dinner two months before the planning decision.
Downing Street last week said that Prime Minister Boris Johnson "considers the matter closed" after Mr Jenrick's department published a cache of documents, including text messages between him and Mr Desmond.
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However, in a letter to Mr Jenrick on Wednesday, Labour MP Clive Betts - the chair of the committee - said the committee "respectfully disagrees" with Mr Johnson's assertion and added "there are important lessons that must be learned".
"It is important for the committee to scrutinise where it feels that greater transparency is needed within the planning system and to ensure confidence in the fairness of future planning decisions," the letter added.
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Mr Betts said he was not accusing Mr Jenrick or his officials of "deliberate wrongdoing".
But he said the published documents "do clearly demonstrate that serious mistakes were made during this process, and that these put into doubt your ability to act as a neutral arbiter in this case and created a strong suspicion of bias".
He also listed 26 further questions for Mr Jenrick to answer about the Westferry decision by 6 July and repeated his invitation for the cabinet minister to give evidence to the committee in a meeting on 13 July.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said: "The secretary of state has set out a full account and the department has published relevant documents online.
"He will respond to the select committee's letter in due course."


skynewspolitics--2020-07-01--Government must fulfil £9bn pledge to decarbonise homes, campaigners say

The government needs to decarbonise UK homes if it is serious about a green building programme after the coronavirus outbreak , climate change campaigners have said .
The UK is thought to have the most energy inefficient housing stock in western Europe , and more than a third of the country 's emissions are generated in households .
The prime minister has announced a plan to `` build , build , build '' to create jobs and promote economic recovery after the coronavirus outbreak .
He says it needs to be `` green '' and done `` at speed '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the Climate Coalition , has said a Conservative manifesto pledge of £9bn to improve energy efficiency in homes must be delivered if Britain is to reach its target of being net zero by 2050 .
He added : `` The prime minister 's speech had a giant black hole in the middle of it , and that was the programme to help rebuild the UK 's leaky homes .
`` The Conservative manifesto made a pledge to give £9.2bn to help households to make their homes insulated and energy efficient .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it was the biggest climate change pledge that they made in their manifesto .
`` But it was completely missing from the PM 's speech and it 's notable by its absence , and that 's a real worry .
`` We 're worried the government is not going to fulfil its pledge to the people of this country to make this investment . ''
Decarbonising Britain 's housing stock will be a colossal task and means new homes built now and over the next five years will need retrofitting .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three million business premises .
Energy inefficiency of homes is a major stumbling block towards net zero but it is also generating increasing levels of so-called fuel poverty - people for whom energy bills are above average and often leaving them a choice whether to `` heat or eat '' .
The West Midlands and London have the highest levels of fuel poverty in the country .
Charities say there are more than 300,000 people in the West Midlands living in fuel poverty .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spreaker Keith Bent , 78 , had help from the charity Act On Energy to switch his electric storage heaters to a gas boiler to make them more energy efficient and reduced his overall energy bill .
He said : `` At the time , when we had the other heating system , it was a case of watching your pennies all the while , looking at what you 've got to spend .
But now , with the alternative that we 've got , I 've got a lot more .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The main thing is that I have more peace of mind .
With the other heater it was really irregular - when it was very cold and you turned it right up , you were using a hell of a lot more energy and the expense was big as well .
`` The system now is much easier to use , a lot cleaner and more economical of course . ''

The government needs to decarbonise UK homes if it is serious about a green building programme after the coronavirus outbreak, climate change campaigners have said.
The UK is thought to have the most energy inefficient housing stock in western Europe, and more than a third of the country's emissions are generated in households.
The prime minister has announced a plan to "build, build, build" to create jobs and promote economic recovery after the coronavirus outbreak.
He says it needs to be "green" and done "at speed".
Image: The prime minister has pledged to 'build, build, build' as part of the recovery from the coronavirus outbreak
But Ed Matthew, a director at the Climate Coalition, has said a Conservative manifesto pledge of £9bn to improve energy efficiency in homes must be delivered if Britain is to reach its target of being net zero by 2050.
He added: "The prime minister's speech had a giant black hole in the middle of it, and that was the programme to help rebuild the UK's leaky homes.
"The Conservative manifesto made a pledge to give £9.2bn to help households to make their homes insulated and energy efficient.
"That was a really major pledge, and it was the biggest climate change pledge that they made in their manifesto.
"But it was completely missing from the PM's speech and it's notable by its absence, and that's a real worry.
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"We're worried the government is not going to fulfil its pledge to the people of this country to make this investment."
Decarbonising Britain's housing stock will be a colossal task and means new homes built now and over the next five years will need retrofitting.
There are 27 million properties in Britain and three million business premises.
Image: Keith Bent switched his electric storage heaters to a gas boiler
Energy inefficiency of homes is a major stumbling block towards net zero but it is also generating increasing levels of so-called fuel poverty - people for whom energy bills are above average and often leaving them a choice whether to "heat or eat".
The West Midlands and London have the highest levels of fuel poverty in the country.
Charities say there are more than 300,000 people in the West Midlands living in fuel poverty.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Keith Bent, 78, had help from the charity Act On Energy to switch his electric storage heaters to a gas boiler to make them more energy efficient and reduced his overall energy bill.
He said: "At the time, when we had the other heating system, it was a case of watching your pennies all the while, looking at what you've got to spend. But now, with the alternative that we've got, I've got a lot more.
"I feel a lot happier in myself. The main thing is that I have more peace of mind. With the other heater it was really irregular - when it was very cold and you turned it right up, you were using a hell of a lot more energy and the expense was big as well.
"The system now is much easier to use, a lot cleaner and more economical of course."


skynewspolitics--2020-07-02--'Don't overdo it': PM's warning as pubs prepare to reopen on Saturday

Downing Street has warned people not to `` overdo it '' when the coronavirus lockdown in England is eased this weekend .
Pubs , bars and restaurants will be able to welcome customers for the first time in more than three months on Saturday amid the coronavirus pandemic .
When he announced the major relaxation of the COVID-19 lockdown , Boris Johnson said `` our long , national hibernation is coming to an end '' and `` life is returning to our streets '' .
But as the weekend nears , the prime minister 's spokesman has said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to enjoy themselves but at the same time , now we have got coronavirus under control we need to keep it under control .
`` The guidance is there , we want people to follow it and then we can make more progress together in the fight against coronavirus .
`` The PM has said that it is important that people do n't overdo it . ''
Mr Johnson will appear at a Downing Street news conference on Friday ahead of the easing of the restrictions .
Asked if the PM would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturday , his spokesman said : `` He 's talked about his enthusiasm for a haircut and pint previously but I do n't know exactly what he 's doing on Saturday yet . ''
When asked if Mr Johnson would get a haircut , he responded : `` It will be plain for all to see next week what he 's been doing at the weekend if that does happen . ''

Downing Street has warned people not to "overdo it" when the coronavirus lockdown in England is eased this weekend.
Pubs, bars and restaurants will be able to welcome customers for the first time in more than three months on Saturday amid the coronavirus pandemic.
When he announced the major relaxation of the COVID-19 lockdown, Boris Johnson said "our long, national hibernation is coming to an end" and "life is returning to our streets".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 16:02 23 June: PM's statement on easing of lockdown
But as the weekend nears, the prime minister's spokesman has said: "We do want people to be able to enjoy themselves but at the same time, now we have got coronavirus under control we need to keep it under control.
"The guidance is there, we want people to follow it and then we can make more progress together in the fight against coronavirus.
"The PM has said that it is important that people don't overdo it."
It comes after the Treasury posted a tweet on its Twitter account which urged people to "grab a drink and raise a glass, pubs are reopening their doors from 4 July".
The message was later deleted after attracting criticism.
Mr Johnson will appear at a Downing Street news conference on Friday ahead of the easing of the restrictions.
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Hairdressers and barbers will also reopen on Saturday, as will hotels, leisure facilities and tourist attractions.
Asked if the PM would be visiting a pub or restaurant himself on Saturday, his spokesman said: "He's talked about his enthusiasm for a haircut and pint previously but I don't know exactly what he's doing on Saturday yet."
When asked if Mr Johnson would get a haircut, he responded: "It will be plain for all to see next week what he's been doing at the weekend if that does happen."
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The two-metre social distancing rule will also be reduced.
From Saturday, people will be required to keep one-metre apart from others, while also taking measures to mitigate the risk of transmitting the virus.
This includes wearing a face mask on public transport, regular handwashing, being outside and limiting time spent with others.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said he did not yet have plans to go to the pub this weekend.
"We do need the lockdown to be eased and we support the principle of easing the lockdown," he added.
"We've got to be alive to the risks, which is why it's very important the government can demonstrate the track, trace and isolate scheme is working well and that we can deal with spikes and local outbreaks."


skynewspolitics--2020-07-02--'Critical to national recovery': All pupils must return to school in September

All children will be told to go back to school from September , as the government said restarting learning was `` critical to our national recovery '' .
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson announced mandatory attendance will be introduced when the new academic year starts to ensure pupils do n't fall any further behind .
He said kids will be learning again `` full-time '' after schools were told to close their doors to anyone but children of key workers at the outset of the coronavirus lockdown .
Mr Williamson told MPs he wanted to make sure `` all children who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
He promised there will be no `` dumbing down '' of the curriculum and everyone will be taught a `` full , broad and balanced '' range of subjects - including arts and sports .
More details will be set out at a Downing Street news conference later on Thursday - the first one since the daily briefings were scrapped .
What will happen if there is a COVID-19 outbreak ?
`` Small groups '' of pupils and staff may have to self-isolate for up to 14 days if there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school or college .
But if two or more cases are found within 14 days , larger groups of young people will have to self-isolate as a `` precautionary measure '' .
Closing schools , new guidance from the Department for Education says , `` will not generally be necessary '' .
Will there be enough tests ?
A small number of home testing kits will be sent to all schools and colleges by the start of next term , Mr Williamson vowed .
These will be given to pupils who would struggle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a testing centre .
In cases where an outbreak is feared , a mobile testing unit could be dispatched to test others who have been in contact with the person who has the virus .
Will children have to social distance ?
Limits on class sizes will be scrapped , and bubbles can encompass a whole class or a whole year group of potentially over 200 students .
There will not be a requirement for one metre or two metre distancing between children , but schools should `` continue minimising contact between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they can , Mr Williamson said .
Teachers are strongly advised to keep a two metre distance from other adults and older pupils .
Who will have to wear a mask ?
Children and staff will not be required to wear face coverings when in school , but those over the age of 11 will be required to do so if travelling in on public transport .
Will teaching be any different ?
The curriculum pupils are taught will be `` full , broad and balanced '' , Mr Williamson promised .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It includes sports .
`` It includes so much because we recognise that to give children the best opportunities to succeed in life they have to have that breadth of curriculum and we should not be seen to be dumbing down or reducing it . ''
Exams will go ahead in summer 2021 , he added .
But Ofqual - the exams regulator - wants the start of GCSE exams to be delayed until after next summer 's half-term break .
The watchdog has launched a consultation on how to alter the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
What will happen to children who need to self-isolate ?
Schools will be expected to have plans in place for pupils who are self-isolating , including offering remote learning .
Ofsted inspections are hoped to restart from January next year , Mr Williamson said .
What do teachers and unions say about the plan ?
Geoff Barton , general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders ( ASCL ) , said : `` The logistics of keeping apart many different 'bubbles ' of children in a full school , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is mind-boggling .
`` School leaders will have to consider implementing staggered starts , finishes and lunchtimes , alongside transport to and from school , on an epic scale . ''
Paul Whiteman , general secretary of school leaders ' union NAHT , added : `` The situation seen in Leicester this week has demonstrated that this crisis is far from over , and there will be further disruption ahead .
`` It is therefore essential that Government continues to monitor the data when it comes to school return and that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place should it be required . ''
How many pupils are already back at school ?
Currently 1.6 million students in England are back in the classroom , after a phased reopening began last month .
England 's 9 million children are all expected to return in September .

All children will be told to go back to school from September, as the government said restarting learning was "critical to our national recovery".
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson announced mandatory attendance will be introduced when the new academic year starts to ensure pupils do not fall any further behind.
He said kids will be learning again "full-time", after schools were told to close their doors to anyone but children of key workers at the outset of the coronavirus lockdown.
Mr Williamson told MPs he wanted to make sure "all children who can be at school are at school" and promised there would be no "dumbing down" of the curriculum - with a full range of subjects, including arts and sports.
Image: Some schools shut at the start of the outbreak
What will happen if there is a COVID-19 outbreak?
"Small groups" of pupils and staff may have to self-isolate for up to 14 days if there is a positive case of coronavirus in a school or college.
But if two or more cases are found within 14 days, larger groups such as a whole year group, or even the whole school, will have to self-isolate as a "precautionary measure".
Closing schools, "will not generally be necessary" if the recommended controls are implemented, new guidance from the Department for Education says.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:15 'Education recovery is critical'
Will there be enough tests?
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A small number of home testing kits will be sent to all schools and colleges by the start of next term, Mr Williamson vowed.
These will be given to pupils who would struggle to go to a testing centre.
In cases where an outbreak is feared, a mobile testing unit could be dispatched to schools to test others who have been in contact with the infected person - with priority for their class, then year, then the whole school if necessary.
Image: PPE and temperature checks have become the norm
Will children have to social distance?
Limits on class sizes will be scrapped, and bubbles can encompass a whole class or a whole year group of potentially more than 200 students.
There will not be a requirement for one metre or two metre distancing between children, but schools should "continue minimising contact between children" - particularly older pupils where they can, Mr Williamson said.
Teachers are strongly advised to keep a two metre distance from other adults and older pupils.
To help reduce the risk of transmission lessons could be held outside, deputy chief medical officer for England, Dr Jenny Harries, said.
Assemblies will not be allowed and schools have been told to avoid singing in large groups.
Image: Older pupils will be urged to distance more
Will parents or headteachers be fined if they do not send their children back to school in September?
Mr Williamson said the government "has to" move back to compulsory education, but stressed fines are not the first action schools take when children are absent.
Will school buses be running?
Mr Williamson said pupils will be allowed to use school buses, but they could be segregated to ensure children remain in their bubbles.
He said it will depend on what the situation is with coronavirus as to how they ensure proper controls are in place on school transport to protect those bubbles.
Schools have been asked to consider using "walking buses" to reduce the use of public transport.
Image: Classrooms have looked very different since some got back to work
Who will have to wear a mask?
Children and staff will not be required to wear face coverings when in school, but those over the age of 11 will be required to do so if travelling in on public transport.
Will teaching be any different?
The curriculum pupils are taught will be "full, broad and balanced" and will not be "watered-down", Mr Williamson promised.
"And that includes the arts and humanities, it includes sports," he said.
"It includes so much because we recognise that to give children the best opportunities to succeed in life they have to have that breadth of curriculum and we should not be seen to be dumbing down or reducing it."
Exams will go ahead in summer 2021, he added.
But Ofqual - the exams regulator - wants the start of GCSE exams to be delayed until after next summer's half-term break.
The watchdog has launched a consultation on how to alter the timetable to allow more time for teaching.
Image: Those aged over 11 should wear a face covering if travelling on public transport to school
Will there still be breakfast clubs, after-school clubs and summer holiday programmes?
For many parents, breakfast clubs and after-school clubs are a saviour, and the education secretary said he wants them to resume - as well as summer programmes - despite coronavirus guidance aimed at preventing different year groups mixing.
What will happen to children who need to self-isolate?
Schools will be expected to have plans in place for pupils who are self-isolating, including offering remote learning.
What about school inspections?
Ofsted inspections are hoped to restart from January next year, Mr Williamson said.
Image: Schools should have plans for remote learning for pupils self-isolating
What do teachers and unions say about the plan?
Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), said: "The logistics of keeping apart many different 'bubbles' of children in a full school, including whole year groups comprising hundreds of pupils, is mind-boggling.
"School leaders will have to consider implementing staggered starts, finishes and lunchtimes, alongside transport to and from school, on an epic scale."
Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders' union NAHT, added: "The situation seen in Leicester this week has demonstrated that this crisis is far from over, and there will be further disruption ahead.
"It is therefore essential that government continues to monitor the data when it comes to school return and that it also has a credible Plan B in place should it be required."
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said: "I want all children back in school as quickly as possible and certainly by September. I think that's achievable and I actually think that many more children could be back now if there had been a better plan and better leadership."
Image: Less than two million children have been back in school since they initially shut
How many pupils are already back at school?
Currently 1.6 million students in England are back in the classroom, after a phased reopening began last month.
England's nine million children are all expected to return in September.


skynewspolitics--2020-07-02--Video game loot boxes 'are gambling', says House of Lords

Purchasing loot boxes in video games is equivalent to gambling , according to a House of Lords committee , which recommends that the controversial products be regulated under the Gambling Act .
Loot boxes can be purchased in many games - including those popular with younger players such as FIFA - and offer randomised rewards , some of which would be worth far more than the cost of the purchase itself .
The way the purchases offer mystery in-game rewards to players means they should be classified as gambling , according to a new report by the House of Lords @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government to `` act immediately to bring loot boxes within the remit of gambling legislation and regulation '' .
Globally , the market for loot boxes in games is estimated to be worth £20bn , with the UK market valued at £700m .
In the case of football game FIFA , made by Electronic Arts and one of the UK 's top-selling game franchises , they are trading card-style packets that can be bought with either real money or a digital currency earned by playing .
But some games have removed them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rid of its version of loot boxes last year after Belgium and the Netherlands declared them to be illegal gambling .
Also last year , the Royal Society for Public Health ( RSPH ) published a report revealing that some young people felt addicted to purchasing the items .
The RSPH report found that a majority of young people see both purchasing a loot box ( 58 % ) and taking part in skin betting ( 60 % ) as forms of highly addictive gambling .
Children are spending hundreds of pounds `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on loot boxes , according to the children 's commissioner for England , Anne Longfield .
And back in October , MPs also called for them to be banned .
Console makers Sony , Microsoft and Nintendo recently pledged to force game publishers to disclose the likelihood of particular items being discovered in loot boxes .
However , currently , video game packaging only sports an icon warning of the potential for extra purchases , which do not always involve an element of chance .
Ms Longfield , who talked to 29 gamers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year : `` Children have told us they worry they are gambling when they buy loot boxes , and it 's clear some children are spending hundreds of pounds chasing their losses .
`` I want the government to classify loot boxes in games like FIFA as a form of gambling .
A maximum daily spend limit for children would also be reassuring for parents and children themselves .
`` With 93 % of children in the UK playing video games , it is vital that the enjoyment they get comes with tighter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gambling . ''

Purchasing loot boxes in video games is equivalent to gambling, according to a House of Lords committee, which recommends that the controversial products be regulated under the Gambling Act.
Loot boxes can be purchased in many games - including those popular with younger players such as FIFA - and offer randomised rewards, some of which would be worth far more than the cost of the purchase itself.
The way the purchases offer mystery in-game rewards to players means they should be classified as gambling, according to a new report by the House of Lords Gambling Committee.
The committee called for the government to "act immediately to bring loot boxes within the remit of gambling legislation and regulation".
Image: Players can buy packs of random cards in FIFA Ultimate Team to build their squads
Globally, the market for loot boxes in games is estimated to be worth £20bn, with the UK market valued at £700m.
In the case of football game FIFA, made by Electronic Arts and one of the UK's top-selling game franchises, they are trading card-style packets that can be bought with either real money or a digital currency earned by playing.
But some games have removed them after intervention from governments - Fortnite got rid of its version of loot boxes last year after Belgium and the Netherlands declared them to be illegal gambling.
Also last year, the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) published a report revealing that some young people felt addicted to purchasing the items.
The RSPH report found that a majority of young people see both purchasing a loot box (58%) and taking part in skin betting (60%) as forms of highly addictive gambling.
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Image: Fortnite removed loot boxes last year
Children are spending hundreds of pounds "chasing their losses" on money spent on loot boxes, according to the children's commissioner for England, Anne Longfield.
And back in October, MPs also called for them to be banned.
Console makers Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo recently pledged to force game publishers to disclose the likelihood of particular items being discovered in loot boxes.
However, currently, video game packaging only sports an icon warning of the potential for extra purchases, which do not always involve an element of chance.
Image: Console makers pledged to force game publishers to disclose the likelihood of items being discovered in loot boxes
Ms Longfield, who talked to 29 gamers aged 10 to 16, said last year: "Children have told us they worry they are gambling when they buy loot boxes, and it's clear some children are spending hundreds of pounds chasing their losses.
"I want the government to classify loot boxes in games like FIFA as a form of gambling. A maximum daily spend limit for children would also be reassuring for parents and children themselves.
"With 93% of children in the UK playing video games, it is vital that the enjoyment they get comes with tighter rules that protect them from straying into gambling."


skynewspolitics--2020-07-02--'We're not out of the woods yet', PM warns ahead of pubs reopening

The UK is `` not out of the woods yet '' and people must be cautious when visiting bars and restaurants this weekend , the prime minister will warn .
At a press conference in Downing Street on Friday , Boris Johnson will urge people to support the `` heroic effort '' put in by businesses all over the country .
But he will also threaten tough lockdown measures if people break the rules prompting a second spike of coronavirus .
Senior police officers have warned that the decision to reopen bars and restaurants on a Saturday will overwhelm emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first time in months .
But poor weather and a sense of unease among the public has led others to suggest the reopening may not be as successful as the government hopes .
Ministers want to see businesses starting to get back on their feet ahead of the furlough scheme drawing to a close later this year .
Speaking in Number 10 , Mr Johnson will say : `` Saturday is about supporting the livelihoods of business owners and their employees up and down the country - all of whom are opening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than three months .
`` They are our local restaurants , hairdressers , libraries , museums , cinemas , and yes , pubs .
`` They are also hotels , B & Bs , indeed much of our tourism industry .
`` All these businesses and their workers have put in a heroic effort to prepare their venues for this reopening , to work out a way to trade in a way that keeps their customers safe . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will add : `` But the success of these businesses , the livelihoods of those who rely on them , and ultimately the economic health of the whole country is dependent on every single one of us acting responsibly .
`` We must not let them down . ''
And in a warning to those who are considering holding parties or large gatherings - which are still banned - he will say : `` Just as when we first locked down , we will only succeed in reopening if everyone works together .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the woods yet .
The virus is still with us and the spike in Leicester has shown that .
`` If it starts running out of control again the government will not hesitate in putting on the brakes and re-imposing restrictions .
`` Anyone who flouts social distancing and COVID-secure rules is not only putting us all at risk but letting down those businesses and workers who have done so much to prepare for this new normal .
`` So as we take this next step , our biggest step yet , on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the British public to do so safely . ''
Thousands of jobs on UK high streets have already been lost as restaurants and bars were forced to close because of the COVID-19 crisis .

The UK is "not out of the woods yet" and people must be cautious when visiting bars and restaurants this weekend, the prime minister will warn.
At a press conference in Downing Street on Friday, Boris Johnson will urge people to support the "heroic effort" put in by businesses all over the country.
But he will also threaten tough lockdown measures if people break the rules prompting a second spike of coronavirus.
Image: Pubs are set to reopen on Saturday
Senior police officers have warned that the decision to reopen bars and restaurants on a Saturday will overwhelm emergency services as people head out drinking for the first time in months.
But poor weather and a sense of unease among the public has led others to suggest the reopening may not be as successful as the government hopes.
Ministers want to see businesses starting to get back on their feet ahead of the furlough scheme drawing to a close later this year.
Speaking in Number 10, Mr Johnson will say: "Saturday is about supporting the livelihoods of business owners and their employees up and down the country - all of whom are opening their doors for the first time in more than three months.
"They are our local restaurants, hairdressers, libraries, museums, cinemas, and yes, pubs.
"They are also hotels, B&Bs, indeed much of our tourism industry.
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"All these businesses and their workers have put in a heroic effort to prepare their venues for this reopening, to work out a way to trade in a way that keeps their customers safe."
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 prime minister will add: "But the success of these businesses, the livelihoods of those who rely on them, and ultimately the economic health of the whole country is dependent on every single one of us acting responsibly.
"We must not let them down."
And in a warning to those who are considering holding parties or large gatherings - which are still banned - he will say: "Just as when we first locked down, we will only succeed in reopening if everyone works together.
"Because we are not out of the woods yet. The virus is still with us and the spike in Leicester has shown that.
"If it starts running out of control again the government will not hesitate in putting on the brakes and re-imposing restrictions.
"Anyone who flouts social distancing and COVID-secure rules is not only putting us all at risk but letting down those businesses and workers who have done so much to prepare for this new normal.
"So as we take this next step, our biggest step yet, on the road to recovery, I urge the British public to do so safely."
Thousands of jobs on UK high streets have already been lost as restaurants and bars were forced to close because of the COVID-19 crisis.


skynewspolitics--2020-07-02--End of the 'lobby': Boris Johnson plans televised press briefings

Boris Johnson is planning to introduce televised press briefings as part of a shake-up of the government 's communications operation , it has emerged .
During the coronavirus pandemic , senior ministers - including the prime minister - held daily news conferences from Downing Street to update the public on its COVID-19 response .
Last month , the government scrapped weekend coronavirus briefings due to `` significantly lower '' viewing figures , before ending the daily news conferences entirely in favour of ad-hoc appearances by ministers .
But those daily on-camera events are now set to return as a permanent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are looking to introduce televised press briefings .
This is amid wider changes to include a greater focus on broadcast media , the sources said .
Televised press briefings are a feature of US politics , with the White House hosting a daily event for Washington D.C. journalists .
Under Donald Trump 's presidency , the briefings became known for the combative tone adopted by press secretaries Sean Spicer and Sarah Huckabee Sanders .
The Times reported , under Downing Street 's plans , Mr Johnson will replace traditional off-camera afternoon briefings - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , known as the `` lobby '' - with broadcast question and answer sessions .
The prime minister is said to believe the approach will `` introduce a culture of transparency and openness '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The newspaper also reported the briefings , to begin in October , will be hosted by an experienced broadcaster and held in a room in 9 Downing Street that will be converted into a media suite .
The government is also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working in Whitehall communications departments as part of an attempt to streamline its media relations set-up , The Times added .
Former Labour prime minister Tony Blair dropped plans to introduce daily televised press briefings following opposition from Westminster journalists .
However , Mr Blair did hold monthly televised press conferences while in power .

Boris Johnson is planning to introduce televised press briefings as part of a shake-up of the government's communications operation, it has emerged.
During the coronavirus pandemic, senior ministers - including the prime minister - held daily news conferences from Downing Street to update the public on its COVID-19 response.
Last month, the government scrapped weekend coronavirus briefings due to "significantly lower" viewing figures, before ending the daily news conferences entirely in favour of ad-hoc appearances by ministers.
Image: Televised press briefings from the White House are a feature of US politics
But those daily on-camera events are now set to return as a permanent feature after Downing Street sources confirmed they are looking to introduce televised press briefings.
This is amid wider changes to include a greater focus on broadcast media, the sources said.
The prime minister has confirmed the plans.
Speaking to LBC Radio, he said: "People have liked a more direct, detailed information from the government about what is going on - and I think that they've actually particularly liked our brilliant scientific and medical advisers, possibly more than the politicians to be frank.
"We do think that people want direct engagement and want stuff from us, and so we're going to have a go at that."
Mr Johnson said he would "pop up from time to time" at the briefings.
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Televised press briefings are a feature of US politics, with the White House hosting a daily event for Washington D.C. journalists.
Under Donald Trump's presidency, the briefings became known for the combative tone adopted by press secretaries Sean Spicer and Sarah Huckabee Sanders.
The Times reported, under Downing Street's plans, Mr Johnson will replace traditional off-camera afternoon briefings - delivered by his spokesman for Westminster journalists, known as the "lobby" - with broadcast question and answer sessions.
The prime minister is said to believe the approach will "introduce a culture of transparency and openness".
The newspaper also reported the briefings, to begin in October, will be hosted by an experienced broadcaster and held in a room in 9 Downing Street that will be converted into a media suite.
The government is also seeking to reduce the number of people working in Whitehall communications departments as part of an attempt to streamline its media relations set-up, The Times added.
Former Labour prime minister Tony Blair dropped plans to introduce daily televised press briefings following opposition from Westminster journalists.
However, Mr Blair did hold monthly televised press conferences while in power.


skynewspolitics--2020-07-02--Second wave of UK coronavirus infections 'quite a possibility'

A second wave of coronavirus infections in the UK is `` quite a possibility '' , according to England 's deputy chief medical officer .
Dr Jenny Harries said the reimposition of lockdown measures in Leicester , following a local spike in the number of COVID-19 cases , is a `` very good lesson '' for the rest of the country She did not rule out further waves of coronavirus infections across the UK - or even a second peak in the country 's overall epidemic - but stressed action would be taken to prevent localised flare-ups from becoming a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Downing Street news conference on Thursday - the first coronavirus briefing from Number 10 since daily press conferences were scrapped more than a week ago .
Quizzed on the impact of all pupils returning to school in September , she and Education Secretary Gavin Williamson denied that Leicester 's rise in COVID-19 cases was due to some already returning to classrooms last month .
Dr Harries said : `` For Leicester , clearly it 's not just the teenagers .
`` What we 're seeing is a community transmission , a rise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think it is , sadly for Leicester , a very good lesson for the rest of the country in a way .
`` We all need to , as we go forward with the easing of lockdown measures , still to be really careful about how we interact with others about social distancing , about washing your hands . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Williamson , who has announced that mandatory attendance will be introduced when the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's localised lockdown `` was not something about schools returning '' .
`` Schools play an incredibly positive part and role in the wider society , '' he said .
`` And it would be very misleading to imply that they had a role , in terms of any form of spread in Leicester . ''
Schools across the UK were closed in March to all pupils apart from children of key workers and the most vulnerable , with some years allowed to return on 1 June .
Dr Harries was asked about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools , should there be a second peak in UK coronavirus infections .
The deputy chief medical officer replied said : `` I think a second wave is quite a possibility , that is not ruled out at all .
A second peak , as in an epidemic peak , another one , is also not ruled out .
`` In fact , in pandemics , you can sometimes see successive ones - so we 're talking about a second , but you can get waves and waves .
`` We 're starting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you look at the maps across the world ... you can see these peaks now rising in regions and falling and some rising again . ''
Schools and non-essential shops have been closed again in Leicester under the reimposition of lockdown measures .
`` What we 're seeing in Leicester now is what is much more likely to happen as we go forward , '' Dr Harries added .
`` That 's positive in some ways .
It may not feel like that if you live in Leicester at the moment .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there are local rises that we start to see , that the focus of energy is on ensuring that they do not become another peak . ''
But asked if she could reassure parents there was no additional risk in sending children back , Dr Harries said : `` We ca n't guarantee absolute safety for anybody anywhere in the UK , so I think we just need to be very realistic . ''

A second wave of coronavirus infections in the UK is "quite a possibility", according to England's deputy chief medical officer.
Dr Jenny Harries said the reimposition of lockdown measures in Leicester, following a local spike in the number of COVID-19 cases, is a "very good lesson" for the rest of the country
She did not rule out further waves of coronavirus infections across the UK - or even a second peak in the country's overall epidemic - but stressed action would be taken to prevent localised flare-ups from becoming a wider problem.
Image: England's deputy chief medical officer Dr Jenny Harries warned of further waves of infections
Dr Harries spoke at a Downing Street news conference on Thursday - the first coronavirus briefing from Number 10 since daily press conferences were scrapped more than a week ago.
Quizzed on the impact of all pupils returning to school in September, she and Education Secretary Gavin Williamson denied that Leicester's rise in COVID-19 cases was due to some already returning to classrooms last month.
Dr Harries said: "For Leicester, clearly it's not just the teenagers.
"What we're seeing is a community transmission, a rise in cases across the community.
"I think it is, sadly for Leicester, a very good lesson for the rest of the country in a way.
"We all need to, as we go forward with the easing of lockdown measures, still to be really careful about how we interact with others about social distancing, about washing your hands."
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Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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Mr Williamson, who has announced that mandatory attendance will be introduced when the new academic year starts, said that Leicester's localised lockdown "was not something about schools returning".
"Schools play an incredibly positive part and role in the wider society," he said.
"And it would be very misleading to imply that they had a role, in terms of any form of spread in Leicester."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:49 Leicester mayor talks to PM about first local lockdown
Schools across the UK were closed in March to all pupils apart from children of key workers and the most vulnerable, with some years allowed to return on 1 June.
Dr Harries was asked about the possibility of a second shutdown of schools, should there be a second peak in UK coronavirus infections.
The deputy chief medical officer replied said: "I think a second wave is quite a possibility, that is not ruled out at all. A second peak, as in an epidemic peak, another one, is also not ruled out.
"In fact, in pandemics, you can sometimes see successive ones - so we're talking about a second, but you can get waves and waves.
"We're starting to see, I think, if you look at the maps across the world... you can see these peaks now rising in regions and falling and some rising again."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:59 'School attendance mandatory from September'
Schools and non-essential shops have been closed again in Leicester under the reimposition of lockdown measures.
"What we're seeing in Leicester now is what is much more likely to happen as we go forward," Dr Harries added.
"That's positive in some ways. It may not feel like that if you live in Leicester at the moment.
"But it should reassure parents that where there are local rises that we start to see, that the focus of energy is on ensuring that they do not become another peak."
But asked if she could reassure parents there was no additional risk in sending children back, Dr Harries said: "We can't guarantee absolute safety for anybody anywhere in the UK, so I think we just need to be very realistic."