skynewspolitics--2020-09-02--'Internal war' erupts in Scottish Labour as bid to oust leader is launched

Scottish Labour 's embattled leader is hanging on despite being hit by a resignation and multiple MSPs demanding he quit , as the party trails third in the polls .
Richard Leonard has insisted he will stay on to fight next year 's Holyrood elections and criticised `` disgruntled '' colleagues who want him to step down now .
James Kelly resigned as Scottish Labour 's justice spokesperson earlier this week , saying it was in the party 's `` best interests '' for a new leader to take over .
Meanwhile , North East Scotland MSP Jenny Marra told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does `` not change course now , we risk catastrophe '' .
Their calls were backed by fellow MSP Daniel Johnson , who said : `` It is not easy speaking out , but my colleagues Jenny Marra and James Kelly have done the right thing .
`` It is time to recognise the situation we are in and for Richard to step down . ''
Former Scottish Labour MP Ged Killen added his voice to the calls , saying while Mr Leonard was an `` honest , decent man '' , under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bad to significantly worse '' .
Mr Killen , who lost his Westminster parliament seat in December , added : `` Every party member I speak to is in despair .
He must now do the decent thing and resign . ''
Labour is currently third in the opinion polls in Scotland , behind both the SNP and the Tories .
Mr Leonard said the attacks on him were coming from those who `` never supported my leadership '' and accused them of trying to `` wage an internal war '' .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faction fight is more important than this agenda , they will have to answer to the party members and the voters whom we serve , '' he added .
A spokesperson for Sir Keir Starmer , leader of the UK-wide Labour Party , said he and Mr Leonard had `` a very good working relationship '' but that it was `` a matter for Scottish Labour '' .
Labour 's performance is seen as an important counter-weight to the Conservatives in Holyrood because they both oppose Scottish independence despite key differences on most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Party see their seats surge , the prospect of Scotland breaking away from the rest of the UK could be closer to becoming reality .

Scottish Labour's embattled leader is hanging on despite being hit by a resignation and multiple MSPs demanding he quit, as the party trails third in the polls.
Richard Leonard has insisted he will stay on to fight next year's Holyrood elections and criticised "disgruntled" colleagues who want him to step down now.
James Kelly resigned as Scottish Labour's justice spokesperson earlier this week, saying it was in the party's "best interests" for a new leader to take over.
Image: The next round of Holyrood elections are in 2021
Meanwhile, North East Scotland MSP Jenny Marra told the Times newspaper that if the party does "not change course now, we risk catastrophe".
Their calls were backed by fellow MSP Daniel Johnson, who said: "It is not easy speaking out, but my colleagues Jenny Marra and James Kelly have done the right thing.
"It is time to recognise the situation we are in and for Richard to step down."
Former Scottish Labour MP Ged Killen added his voice to the calls, saying while Mr Leonard was an "honest, decent man", under his leadership "things have gone from bad to significantly worse".
Mr Killen, who lost his Westminster parliament seat in December, added: "Every party member I speak to is in despair. He must now do the decent thing and resign."
Labour is currently third in the opinion polls in Scotland, behind both the SNP and the Tories.
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Image: Sir Keir Starmer said it was a matter for Scottish Labour
Mr Leonard said the attacks on him were coming from those who "never supported my leadership" and accused them of trying to "wage an internal war".
"If any party representative thinks an internal faction fight is more important than this agenda, they will have to answer to the party members and the voters whom we serve," he added.
A spokesperson for Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the UK-wide Labour Party, said he and Mr Leonard had "a very good working relationship" but that it was "a matter for Scottish Labour".
Labour's performance is seen as an important counter-weight to the Conservatives in Holyrood because they both oppose Scottish independence despite key differences on most other major policies.
If the Scottish National Party see their seats surge, the prospect of Scotland breaking away from the rest of the UK could be closer to becoming reality.


skynewspolitics--2020-09-02--Decision on 2021 exams weeks away - as regulator considers online tests in case of lockdown

Ofqual has said a decision on if and when next year 's GCSE and A-level exams will go ahead is weeks away - and has floated the idea of online tests if necessary .
The exam regulator launched a consultation in July , which proposed delaying the start of GCSEs until after half term , pushing them back to 7 June to allow for more teaching time .
It said any changes would be announced in August , but it has not yet made a final decision on the timetable for 2021 , and is still drawing up contingency plans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Follow live coverage of the latest coronavirus news and updates Questioned by MPs on how it planned to avoid a repetition of this summer 's exams fiasco , when ministers decided to scrap exams for an algorithm to award grades , Ofqual 's chairman suggested the regulator was keen for traditional exams to take place .
Richard Taylor told the Commons education committee on Wednesday it was `` absolutely essential '' students sit a `` fair , comparative test '' .
And in the event of a local lockdown , he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` online tests '' - which offered a solution .
Ofqual , which has been considering whether to delay exams next year , has been consulting on the issue since June .
In a consultation document last month , Ofqual revealed that 37 % of respondents strongly supported delaying the exams , compared with 8 % who said it was a bad idea .
The regulator said : `` While there was general support for a delay to the exams , to allow more time for teaching , respondents were less positive about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to results .
`` We will continue to work with the DfE ( Department for Education ) , exam boards , regulators in Wales and Northern Ireland , and groups representing schools , colleges and higher education to consider the best approach , and we will confirm our decisions as soon as possible . ''
That was back on 3 August , and Julie Swan - the regulator 's executive director for general qualifications - told MPs a decision would be announced in the coming weeks .
It means staff and students face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to prepare for GCSEs and A-levels , having lost several months of learning due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Mason Parkes , 15 , who attends Bristnall Hall Academy in Oldbury , West Midlands , told Sky News : `` It 's definitely hard and challenging ...
I would like the government to make a decision because we do n't know whether we are doing them later or if it 's just certain subjects or if it 's teachers ' predicted grades .
`` It 's definitely worrying because we do n't know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do , or what we are doing .
I hope a decision is going to be made soon .
I 'm just going to try and get my head down and revise in every subject that I can . ''
Rajan Mattu , 15 , added : `` I feel the government needs to make a decision quite quickly so we know what we need to do for our exams so we can prepare in the right way .
`` I would n't prefer them to be delayed .
I would rather get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
All we can do is work , but we do n't know what to work on . ''
On Tuesday , Education Secretary Gavin Williams , who supports delaying exams , told MPs the government is determined that exams will go ahead in 2021 , adding they were working with the sector to ensure `` this is done as smoothly as possible '' .
Labour has said next year 's exams should be pushed back to mid-summer due to the impact of the COVID-19 crisis .
Shadow education secretary Kate Green said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` a mountain to climb '' unless the timetable is changed .
She said exams due next May need to be delayed until June or July to facilitate extra teaching time .
: : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Some BTEC students still have n't received their grades , Labour MPs Sarah Owen and Shabana Mahmood told Mr Williamson , who said the issue was being addressed `` as swiftly as possible '' .
`` This is something that occurs each year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their BTEC awards was significantly higher than the previous year , but there are some centres where there continue to be some challenges , '' he said .
Ofqual was fiercely criticised after the `` moderation '' algorithm it designed meant around 280,000 students in England saw their A-level marks fall by one grade or more from their predicted results .
The algorithm , used following the cancellation of this year 's exams due to the coronavirus pandemic , was claimed to have disproportionately penalised students from schools in disadvantaged communities .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the appeals process for students who wished to challenge their results .
Following the controversy , Ofqual and the government performed a U-turn by ditching the algorithm and announcing A-level and GCSE students would instead be handed exam grades as predicted by their teachers .

Ofqual has said a decision on if and when next year's GCSE and A-level exams will go ahead is weeks away - and has floated the idea of online tests if necessary.
The exam regulator launched a consultation in July, which proposed delaying the start of GCSEs until after half term, pushing them back to 7 June to allow for more teaching time.
It said any changes would be announced in August, but it has not yet made a final decision on the timetable for 2021, and is still drawing up contingency plans for next summer's exams.
:: Follow live coverage of the latest coronavirus news and updates
Image: Ofqual has yet to announce a final decision on the timetable for 2021's GCSE and A-level exams
Questioned by MPs on how it planned to avoid a repetition of this summer's exams fiasco, when ministers decided to scrap exams for an algorithm to award grades, Ofqual's chairman suggested the regulator was keen for traditional exams to take place.
Richard Taylor told the Commons education committee on Wednesday it was "absolutely essential" students sit a "fair, comparative test".
And in the event of a local lockdown, he said there are "mechanisms" - including "online tests" - which offered a solution.
Ofqual, which has been considering whether to delay exams next year, has been consulting on the issue since June.
In a consultation document last month, Ofqual revealed that 37% of respondents strongly supported delaying the exams, compared with 8% who said it was a bad idea.
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Image: The consultation response on whether to delay exams (Source Ofqual)
The regulator said: "While there was general support for a delay to the exams, to allow more time for teaching, respondents were less positive about this if it meant a potential delay to results.
"We will continue to work with the DfE (Department for Education), exam boards, regulators in Wales and Northern Ireland, and groups representing schools, colleges and higher education to consider the best approach, and we will confirm our decisions as soon as possible."
That was back on 3 August, and Julie Swan - the regulator's executive director for general qualifications - told MPs a decision would be announced in the coming weeks.
Image: Schools are reopening for the start of a new academic year
It means staff and students face further uncertainty with just two terms left to prepare for GCSEs and A-levels, having lost several months of learning due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Mason Parkes, 15, who attends Bristnall Hall Academy in Oldbury, West Midlands, told Sky News: "It's definitely hard and challenging... I would like the government to make a decision because we don't know whether we are doing them later or if it's just certain subjects or if it's teachers' predicted grades.
"It's definitely worrying because we don't know what's going on or what to do, or what we are doing. I hope a decision is going to be made soon. I'm just going to try and get my head down and revise in every subject that I can."
Rajan Mattu, 15, added: "I feel the government needs to make a decision quite quickly so we know what we need to do for our exams so we can prepare in the right way.
"I wouldn't prefer them to be delayed. I would rather get them out of the way and done. All we can do is work, but we don't know what to work on."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:49 2021 exams to 'go ahead' after delay rumours
On Tuesday, Education Secretary Gavin Williams, who supports delaying exams, told MPs the government is determined that exams will go ahead in 2021, adding they were working with the sector to ensure "this is done as smoothly as possible".
Labour has said next year's exams should be pushed back to mid-summer due to the impact of the COVID-19 crisis.
Shadow education secretary Kate Green said pupils starting Year 11 and 13 face "a mountain to climb" unless the timetable is changed.
She said exams due next May need to be delayed until June or July to facilitate extra teaching time.
:: Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Some BTEC students still haven't received their grades, Labour MPs Sarah Owen and Shabana Mahmood told Mr Williamson, who said the issue was being addressed "as swiftly as possible".
"This is something that occurs each year, and the number of youngsters who received their BTEC awards was significantly higher than the previous year, but there are some centres where there continue to be some challenges," he said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 9:30 Hunt wants 'weekly testing' for teachers
Ofqual was fiercely criticised after the "moderation" algorithm it designed meant around 280,000 students in England saw their A-level marks fall by one grade or more from their predicted results.
The algorithm, used following the cancellation of this year's exams due to the coronavirus pandemic, was claimed to have disproportionately penalised students from schools in disadvantaged communities.
The regulator faced further anger over its handling of the appeals process for students who wished to challenge their results.
Following the controversy, Ofqual and the government performed a U-turn by ditching the algorithm and announcing A-level and GCSE students would instead be handed exam grades as predicted by their teachers.


skynewspolitics--2020-09-03--'He's an expert in trade': Minister defends 'homophobic misogynist' Tony Abbott

The health secretary has defended former Australian prime minister Tony Abbott amid concerns about his attitudes towards women and homosexuality , declaring : `` Well , he 's also an expert in trade . ''
Matt Hancock told Sky News that Mr Abbott has a `` huge '' amount of expertise on the subject , amid reports the ex-Australian leader is being lined up to be joint president of Britain 's relaunched Board of Trade .
News of Mr Abbott 's potential role has sparked criticism in light of his views on women and homosexuality .
He has reportedly previously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roles than women , described abortion as the `` easy way out '' , opposed same-sex marriage and said he feels a `` bit threatened by homosexuality '' .
Opponents have also criticised Mr Abbott for telling an event in London that coronavirus restrictions should be lifted so that people can make their own decisions about the risks they are willing to run .
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said : `` I have real concerns about Tony Abbott and I do n't think he 's the right person for the job .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't appoint him . ''
The party 's shadow international trade secretary Emily Thornberry has described the former PM as a `` Trump-worshipping misogynist '' .
Asked whether he had ever suggested that men may be `` by physiology or temperament more adapted to exercise authority or to issue command '' , Mr Abbott told MPs on the Foreign Affairs Committee on Wednesday : `` I am not sure I ever did say that . ''
Asked about Mr Abbott 's possible appointment , Mr Hancock told the Kay Burley programme : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the proposal is that Mr Abbott supports the UK on trade policy , which is an area in which he has got a huge area of expertise .
`` I bow to nobody in my support for everybody to love who they love , whoever that is .
`` But we need to have the best experts in the world working in their field and as the former prime minister of Australia , he has a huge amount of experience . ''
Asked whether he feels that way even if Mr Abbott is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` homophobic misogynist '' , the health secretary said : `` I do n't think that 's true . ''
Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Pressed again about the former leader 's views , Mr Hancock replied : `` Well , he 's also an expert in trade . ''
He added : `` What I 'm saying is we need experts in different areas and somebody who is the former prime minister of Australia is obviously an enormous expert in the field @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ruth Cadbury in the Commons about the potential appointment , International Trade Secretary Liz Truss said the opposition would `` rather virtue signal and indulge in tokenism than take real action to improve the lives of women '' .
Labour 's shadow Cabinet Office minister Rachel Reeves told Kay Burley : `` I do n't think he should be doing that job .
I think your description of him as a misogynistic homophobe is an accurate one . ''
Scotland 's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told the same programme that Mr Abbott 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' and he was `` not the kind of person who should be a trade envoy for the UK '' .
`` If I had anything to do with that decision he would n't be a trade envoy for the United Kingdom , '' she said .
Mr Abbott said on Wednesday that he has `` had some discussions with members of the British government and I 'm more than happy to help '' - but nothing was official just yet .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson 's spokesman told journalists on Thursday that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Trade have been made .
`` I know there is a political debate on this today but I do n't think there is anything I can add to it , '' he said .

The health secretary has defended former Australian prime minister Tony Abbott amid concerns about his attitudes towards women and homosexuality, declaring: "Well, he's also an expert in trade."
Matt Hancock told Sky News that Mr Abbott has a "huge" amount of expertise on the subject, amid reports the ex-Australian leader is being lined up to be joint president of Britain's relaunched Board of Trade.
News of Mr Abbott's potential role has sparked criticism in light of his views on women and homosexuality.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:00 'Hypocrisy': Truss responds to Abbott furore
He has reportedly previously said men are better suited for leadership roles than women, described abortion as the "easy way out", opposed same-sex marriage and said he feels a "bit threatened by homosexuality".
Opponents have also criticised Mr Abbott for telling an event in London that coronavirus restrictions should be lifted so that people can make their own decisions about the risks they are willing to run.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said: "I have real concerns about Tony Abbott and I don't think he's the right person for the job. If I was prime minister I wouldn't appoint him."
The party's shadow international trade secretary Emily Thornberry has described the former PM as a "Trump-worshipping misogynist".
Mr Abbott has denied accusations of misogyny.
Asked whether he had ever suggested that men may be "by physiology or temperament more adapted to exercise authority or to issue command", Mr Abbott told MPs on the Foreign Affairs Committee on Wednesday: "I am not sure I ever did say that."
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Asked about Mr Abbott's possible appointment, Mr Hancock told the Kay Burley programme: "As far as I understand it, the proposal is that Mr Abbott supports the UK on trade policy, which is an area in which he has got a huge area of expertise.
"I bow to nobody in my support for everybody to love who they love, whoever that is.
"But we need to have the best experts in the world working in their field and as the former prime minister of Australia, he has a huge amount of experience."
Asked whether he feels that way even if Mr Abbott is, in Burley's words, a "homophobic misogynist", the health secretary said: "I don't think that's true."
Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Pressed again about the former leader's views, Mr Hancock replied: "Well, he's also an expert in trade."
He added: "What I'm saying is we need experts in different areas and somebody who is the former prime minister of Australia is obviously an enormous expert in the field of trade.
"It doesn't change my views."
Challenged by Labour MP Ruth Cadbury in the Commons about the potential appointment, International Trade Secretary Liz Truss said the opposition would "rather virtue signal and indulge in tokenism than take real action to improve the lives of women".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 11:04 Sturgeon on COVID-19 and Tony Abbott
Labour's shadow Cabinet Office minister Rachel Reeves told Kay Burley: "I don't think he should be doing that job. I think your description of him as a misogynistic homophobe is an accurate one."
Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told the same programme that Mr Abbott's views were "deeply offensive and wrong" and he was "not the kind of person who should be a trade envoy for the UK".
"If I had anything to do with that decision he wouldn't be a trade envoy for the United Kingdom," she said.
Mr Abbott said on Wednesday that he has "had some discussions with members of the British government and I'm more than happy to help" - but nothing was official just yet.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson's spokesman told journalists on Thursday that "no decisions" about the Board of Trade have been made.
"I know there is a political debate on this today but I don't think there is anything I can add to it," he said.


skynewspolitics--2020-09-03--Tory minister's husband thinks coronavirus is a 'mental illness'

Coronavirus is a `` mental illness '' , according to the husband of a government minister .
Sandy McFadzean , who is married to Conservative MP and Cabinet Office minister Chloe Smith , was at a march against COVID-19 restrictions last weekend .
According to the Eastern Daily Press newspaper , Mr McFadzean has in the past retweeted posts describing the government as `` globalist puppets '' and `` tyrants '' .
A poster for Saturday 's Unite For Freedom march called for an end to social distancing , coronavirus track and trace and the wearing of face coverings .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ McFadzean , who is employed by Credit Suisse as a vice president , wrote on Twitter : `` COVID-19 is most likely an outbreak of mental illness . ''
Another post said : `` Government need to be clear .
`` Either there is a killer virus on the loose or there is n't .
( Spoiler alert : There is n't ) . ''
The newspaper reported that Mr McFadzean 's Twitter account was deleted on Wednesday after it attempted to contact the Norwich North MP for comment .
In response , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Daily Press as saying : `` My husband 's a private citizen .
Everyone 's entitled to their own view , and to debate .
I take a different view . ''
The Conservative Party has not responded to a request for comment , while Credit Suisse also declined to comment .
Clive Lewis , Labour MP for the neighbouring constituency of Norwich South , said : `` There 's absolutely no way I 'd hold anyone responsible for the views of their partner .
`` However , if my partner was spouting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is very likely the subject might come up for discussion at some point over tea . ''
Councillor Natasha Harpley , leader of the Labour Group on Broadland Council , tweeted : `` Chloe Smith is not her husband 's keeper but wow , how embarrassing .
`` What an insult to the 1000s who have died & those experiencing actual mental ill health .
`` I hope his ignorance has n't compromised the health of both her & those she meets whilst carrying out MP duties . ''

Coronavirus is a "mental illness", according to the husband of a government minister.
Sandy McFadzean, who is married to Conservative MP and Cabinet Office minister Chloe Smith, was at a march against COVID-19 restrictions last weekend.
According to the Eastern Daily Press newspaper, Mr McFadzean has in the past retweeted posts describing the government as "globalist puppets" and "tyrants".
Image: Anti-lockdown protesters gathered at the 'Unite For Freedom' rally in Trafalgar Square
A poster for Saturday's Unite For Freedom march called for an end to social distancing, coronavirus track and trace and the wearing of face coverings.
The Eastern Daily Press reported that Mr McFadzean, who is employed by Credit Suisse as a vice president, wrote on Twitter: "COVID-19 is most likely an outbreak of mental illness."
Another post said: "Government need to be clear.
"Either there is a killer virus on the loose or there isn't. (Spoiler alert: There isn't)."
The newspaper reported that Mr McFadzean's Twitter account was deleted on Wednesday after it attempted to contact the Norwich North MP for comment.
In response, Ms Smith was quoted by the Eastern Daily Press as saying: "My husband's a private citizen. Everyone's entitled to their own view, and to debate. I take a different view."
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The Conservative Party has not responded to a request for comment, while Credit Suisse also declined to comment.
Clive Lewis, Labour MP for the neighbouring constituency of Norwich South, said: "There's absolutely no way I'd hold anyone responsible for the views of their partner.
"However, if my partner was spouting forth COVID conspiracy, anti-vaccination nonsense, it is very likely the subject might come up for discussion at some point over tea."
Councillor Natasha Harpley, leader of the Labour Group on Broadland Council, tweeted: "Chloe Smith is not her husband's keeper but wow, how embarrassing.
"What an insult to the 1000s who have died & those experiencing actual mental ill health.
"I hope his ignorance hasn't compromised the health of both her & those she meets whilst carrying out MP duties."


skynewspolitics--2020-09-02--Confusion as Portugal added to quarantine list for Scotland and Wales but not England

Travellers from Portugal will have to isolate when arriving in Scotland and Wales but not England , sparking confusion .
The nations made different decisions at the weekly point when their quarantine lists are normally updated .
There was speculation about what would happen to Portugal given COVID-19 cases there rose to 23 per 100,000 people in the seven days up to Wednesday - up from 15.3 a week earlier .
The UK government generally says countries where the figure is higher than 20 per 100,000 are at risk of being added to the list .
In Scotland , anyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarantine after 4am on Saturday .
Greece was added to its quarantine list earlier this week .
And in Wales , travellers will have to isolate for 14 days after 4am on Friday if coming back from Portugal - excluding the Azores and Madeira islands - as well as Gibraltar , French Polynesia and the Greek islands of Mykonos , Zakynthos , Lesvos , Paros , Antiparos and Crete .
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps , who is responsible for England only , tweeted the quarantine list is kept `` under constant review '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remove countries if needed '' .
But he added `` there are no English additions or removals today '' , though reminded tourists that destinations exempt from quarantine `` can and do change at very short notice '' .
Northern Ireland said there will be `` no changes to the current travel quarantine rules '' .
Holidaymakers in Portugal were scrambling to get home this week .
British Airways flight prices jumped to more than £500 for Thursday , and EasyJet sold out all its flights from Faro to airports in Britain for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is understood ministers from all four UK nations met this evening to discuss the situation .
Kelly Jones changed her family 's flights back from the Algarve from Saturday to Friday to ensure the children would not miss out on two weeks of school .
The 45-year-old said she paid Jet2 £900 on Monday to bring the trip home to Birmingham forward a day in anticipation of quarantine measures being reintroduced and hit out at the `` absolutely disgusting '' situation .
`` The government just change the goalposts left , right and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` It 's embarrassing .
`` They do n't make things clear enough .
They say they need the rate under 20 and it 's gone above that this week , so why would n't you think it would go on the quarantine list tonight ?
`` You can guarantee if I had n't have booked those flights on Monday , that air bridge would have been removed tonight . ''
Derek , who was visiting Almancil in Portugal , said his son and wife did not join him because they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had rushed home to go back to work and help his son head to university .
He claimed tourists were being left `` confused '' and that `` it 's very unfair because people seem to be put on short notice , not only is it very expensive but they do n't know if they 're coming or going '' .
Rory Boland , editor of Which ?
Travel , criticised ministers for offering `` no clarity around how these decisions are made '' and `` ignoring the growing evidence suggesting this system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government is serious about letting international travel resume while prioritising public health , a major reassessment of its approach is needed , '' he added .
And Paul Charles , chief executive of travel consultancy The PC Agency , said : `` The quarantine policy is in tatters and dividing the UK . ''
Portugal was originally left off the list of so-called `` travel corridors '' where people could arrive from without needing to quarantine , when the policy was brought in in July .
It was only added to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on 22 August .
A series of European destinations have already been impacted by sudden quarantine announcements this summer , such as Spain , France and Croatia .
Ministers say they need to act quickly so the measures are effective .

Travellers from Portugal will have to isolate when arriving in Scotland and Wales but not England, sparking confusion.
The nations made different decisions at the weekly point when their quarantine lists are normally updated.
There was speculation about what would happen to Portugal given COVID-19 cases there rose to 23 per 100,000 people in the seven days up to Wednesday - up from 15.3 a week earlier.
The UK government generally says countries where the figure is higher than 20 per 100,000 are at risk of being added to the list.
In Scotland, anyone arriving from Portugal or French Polynesia must quarantine after 4am on Saturday. Greece was added to its quarantine list earlier this week.
And in Wales, travellers will have to isolate for 14 days after 4am on Friday if coming back from Portugal - excluding the Azores and Madeira islands - as well as Gibraltar, French Polynesia and the Greek islands of Mykonos, Zakynthos, Lesvos, Paros, Antiparos and Crete.
Image: Travel corridors were introduced in July
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, who is responsible for England only, tweeted the quarantine list is kept "under constant review" and he would not "hesitate to remove countries if needed".
But he added "there are no English additions or removals today", though reminded tourists that destinations exempt from quarantine "can and do change at very short notice".
Northern Ireland said there will be "no changes to the current travel quarantine rules".
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Holidaymakers in Portugal were scrambling to get home this week.
British Airways flight prices jumped to more than £500 for Thursday, and EasyJet sold out all its flights from Faro to airports in Britain for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
It is understood ministers from all four UK nations met this evening to discuss the situation.
Image: The government was told its approach is 'not working'
Kelly Jones changed her family's flights back from the Algarve from Saturday to Friday to ensure the children would not miss out on two weeks of school.
The 45-year-old said she paid Jet2 £900 on Monday to bring the trip home to Birmingham forward a day in anticipation of quarantine measures being reintroduced and hit out at the "absolutely disgusting" situation.
"The government just change the goalposts left, right and centre at the moment," she said. "It's embarrassing.
"They don't make things clear enough. They say they need the rate under 20 and it's gone above that this week, so why wouldn't you think it would go on the quarantine list tonight?
"You can guarantee if I hadn't have booked those flights on Monday, that air bridge would have been removed tonight."
Derek, who was visiting Almancil in Portugal, said his son and wife did not join him because they feared quarantine being imposed and his brother had rushed home to go back to work and help his son head to university.
He claimed tourists were being left "confused" and that "it's very unfair because people seem to be put on short notice, not only is it very expensive but they don't know if they're coming or going".
Image: Portugal was only exempted from the quarantine list on 22 August
Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel, criticised ministers for offering "no clarity around how these decisions are made" and "ignoring the growing evidence suggesting this system is not working".
"If the government is serious about letting international travel resume while prioritising public health, a major reassessment of its approach is needed," he added.
And Paul Charles, chief executive of travel consultancy The PC Agency, said: "The quarantine policy is in tatters and dividing the UK."
Portugal was originally left off the list of so-called "travel corridors" where people could arrive from without needing to quarantine, when the policy was brought in in July.
It was only added to the safe list a few weeks ago - on 22 August.
Image: One traveller paid £900 to change her family's flights home
A series of European destinations have already been impacted by sudden quarantine announcements this summer, such as Spain, France and Croatia.
Ministers say they need to act quickly so the measures are effective.


skynewspolitics--2020-09-03--'Quarantine roulette' brings frustration for holidaymakers

For holidaymakers , the massive split on post-holiday quarantine between the UK government and those of Scotland and Wales brings confusion , frustration and annoyance .
Welsh holidaymakers returning to Cardiff Airport from the Greek islands and now facing a two-week quarantine will be furious that fellow tourists flying into Bristol , just 40 miles away , can go straight back to work .
That 's after the governments in Westminster , Cardiff and then Edinburgh within the space of two hours announced three sets of conflicting quarantine rules .
A week of confusion and U-turns has led to demands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Heathrow 's boss John Holland-Kaye denouncing the chaos as `` quarantine roulette '' .
Given the rising number of coronavirus cases in Greece and Portugal , it had been expected that Transport Secretary Grant Shapps - who himself had to quarantine after an interrupted Spanish break - would put them back on the so-called `` red list '' .
In what would have been another government U-turn , ministers were said to be on the brink of putting Portugal back on the list just days after it was removed , when the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people , breaking Mr Shapps ' quarantine threshold of 20 .
But in a surprise move , at 5pm the transport secretary tweeted that there would be no English additions or removals this weekend , though he reminded holidaymakers `` 14-day quarantine countries can & do change at very short notice '' .
But minutes later , Vaughan Gething , the health minister thought to be a rising star in the Welsh government , made a shock announcement that will have caused dismay to many holidaymakers from Wales currently on holiday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( the Azores and Madeira will remain exempt ) , Gibraltar , French Polynesia and the Greek islands of Mykonos , Zakynthos , Lesvos , Paros and Antiparos and Crete from the list of exempt countries and territories , '' he said , in what critics will see as a draconian move .
That adds up to six sun-kissed Greek islands , including some of the most popular summer holiday destinations for British tourists , as well as Portugal 's hugely popular Algarve , and Gibraltar , the more-British-than-Britain territory popular with ex-forces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there was worse news for the Welsh from Mr Gething : no time to re-arrange flights before the new rules kick in .
`` I will lay the necessary regulations which will come into force at 04:00 on Friday 4 September , '' he declared .
Draconian the action may have been , but it was entirely predictable .
The Welsh government had already put Zakynthos on the quarantine list 24 hours earlier , after up to 20 passengers on a flight home to Cardiff tested positive for COVID-19 .
But the confusion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours after the latest Welsh announcement , Nicola Sturgeon 's Scottish government announced that passengers arriving into Scotland from Portugal or French Polynesia will have to self-isolate for two weeks as of Saturday .
Yes , Saturday , not Friday , 24 hours after the Welsh rules change .
The Scottish Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf , a rising star north of the border , tweeted : `` If arriving into Scotland from Portugal or French Polynesia from 4am Sat ( 5th Sept ) you 'll have to self-isolate for 14 days .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries we are monitoring closely .
This week 's data shows increase in test positivity & cases per 100k in Portugal . ''
Scotland imposed restrictions on travellers from Greece earlier this week , although Mr Shapps and the Westminster government refused to follow suit , in the first signs of cracks in a co-ordinated UK-wide strategy .
Critics will claim the contradictory rules from Whitehall , Cardiff and Edinburgh this week , culminating in the massive split as the weekend approaches , mean the UK 's quarantine strategy is a mess .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The Welsh government , it has emerged , had been pressing the UK government for a meeting for 24 hours .
It was originally due to happen in the morning , was then pushed back to the afternoon and finally the evening .
Waiting for the conclusion of the meeting would not have given Cardiff enough time to get the quarantines into law before 4am on Friday , which is why Mr Gething pulled the trigger ahead of the meeting .
Holidaymakers trapped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forced to miss two weeks ' work when they return home wo n't be interested in the political bickering between the rival governments , however .
They will just wish the politicians could end the confusion , agree a common policy between the four nations of the UK and bring a stop to the quarantine chaos .

For holidaymakers, the massive split on post-holiday quarantine between the UK government and those of Scotland and Wales brings confusion, frustration and annoyance.
Welsh holidaymakers returning to Cardiff Airport from the Greek islands and now facing a two-week quarantine will be furious that fellow tourists flying into Bristol, just 40 miles away, can go straight back to work.
That's after the governments in Westminster, Cardiff and then Edinburgh within the space of two hours announced three sets of conflicting quarantine rules.
A week of confusion and U-turns has led to demands for airport coronavirus testing intensifying, with Heathrow's boss John Holland-Kaye denouncing the chaos as "quarantine roulette".
Given the rising number of coronavirus cases in Greece and Portugal, it had been expected that Transport Secretary Grant Shapps - who himself had to quarantine after an interrupted Spanish break - would put them back on the so-called "red list".
Image: Holidaymakers at an airport in Croatia last month after the country was added to the UK's quarantine list
In what would have been another government U-turn, ministers were said to be on the brink of putting Portugal back on the list just days after it was removed, when the country's coronavirus cases hit 22.7 per 100,000 people, breaking Mr Shapps' quarantine threshold of 20.
But in a surprise move, at 5pm the transport secretary tweeted that there would be no English additions or removals this weekend, though he reminded holidaymakers "14-day quarantine countries can & do change at very short notice".
But minutes later, Vaughan Gething, the health minister thought to be a rising star in the Welsh government, made a shock announcement that will have caused dismay to many holidaymakers from Wales currently on holiday.
"I have decided to remove mainland Portugal (the Azores and Madeira will remain exempt), Gibraltar, French Polynesia and the Greek islands of Mykonos, Zakynthos, Lesvos, Paros and Antiparos and Crete from the list of exempt countries and territories," he said, in what critics will see as a draconian move.
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That adds up to six sun-kissed Greek islands, including some of the most popular summer holiday destinations for British tourists, as well as Portugal's hugely popular Algarve, and Gibraltar, the more-British-than-Britain territory popular with ex-forces families who have served there.
But there was worse news for the Welsh from Mr Gething: no time to re-arrange flights before the new rules kick in.
"I will lay the necessary regulations which will come into force at 04:00 on Friday 4 September," he declared.
Draconian the action may have been, but it was entirely predictable.
The Welsh government had already put Zakynthos on the quarantine list 24 hours earlier, after up to 20 passengers on a flight home to Cardiff tested positive for COVID-19.
But the confusion and chaos deepened when less than two hours after the latest Welsh announcement, Nicola Sturgeon's Scottish government announced that passengers arriving into Scotland from Portugal or French Polynesia will have to self-isolate for two weeks as of Saturday.
Yes, Saturday, not Friday, 24 hours after the Welsh rules change.
The Scottish Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf, a rising star north of the border, tweeted: "If arriving into Scotland from Portugal or French Polynesia from 4am Sat (5th Sept) you'll have to self-isolate for 14 days.
"Gibraltar high up our watch list of countries we are monitoring closely. This week's data shows increase in test positivity & cases per 100k in Portugal."
Scotland imposed restrictions on travellers from Greece earlier this week, although Mr Shapps and the Westminster government refused to follow suit, in the first signs of cracks in a co-ordinated UK-wide strategy.
Critics will claim the contradictory rules from Whitehall, Cardiff and Edinburgh this week, culminating in the massive split as the weekend approaches, mean the UK's quarantine strategy is a mess.
:: Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The Welsh government, it has emerged, had been pressing the UK government for a meeting for 24 hours.
It was originally due to happen in the morning, was then pushed back to the afternoon and finally the evening.
Waiting for the conclusion of the meeting would not have given Cardiff enough time to get the quarantines into law before 4am on Friday, which is why Mr Gething pulled the trigger ahead of the meeting.
Holidaymakers trapped in the Greek islands or elsewhere and forced to miss two weeks' work when they return home won't be interested in the political bickering between the rival governments, however.
They will just wish the politicians could end the confusion, agree a common policy between the four nations of the UK and bring a stop to the quarantine chaos.


skynewspolitics--2020-09-03--Rees-Mogg plays Rule, Britannia! in Commons to celebrate BBC U-turn

A snippet of Rule , Britannia !
has been played by Jacob Rees-Mogg in parliament as he urged the BBC to `` recognise the virtues '' of the song .
The opening lyrics rang through speakers in the Commons chamber as the leader of the house held his phone up to the microphone at the despatch box .
`` When Britain first , at heaven 's command , '' was played shortly before Mr Rees-Mogg turned off the song and sat down with a smile .
Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle then intervened to joke it had broken the values of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ How dare he . ''
The song and Land Of Hope and Glory have been in the headlines for several weeks after a newspaper reported the BBC was considering axing them from the Last Night of the Proms due to sensitivities about Britain 's colonial past .
The broadcaster initially said only orchestral versions would be performed at its annual classical musical concert held at the Royal Albert Hall , but then bowed to pressure and vowed they would be sung .
Mr Rees-Mogg later apologised for `` any offence I may have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he added , launching into a riff on the original lyrics : `` When Britain first , at heaven 's command , arose from out the azure main , this was the anthem of the land and guardian angels sang this strain .
`` Rule , Britannia !
Britannia , rule the waves , and Britons never , never , never shall be slaves .
`` And let us hope the BBC will recognise the virtues of Britannia in this land of hope and glory . ''
Mr Rees-Mogg was replying to Tory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had used a `` smokescreen set of excuses '' for its original decision to `` mask yet another virtue-signalling capitulation to political correctness '' .
On Wednesday , Prime Minister Boris Johnson claimed the country is going through `` an orgy of national embarrassment '' about its traditions and history .
And Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer 's spokesperson said the BBC 's U-turn was the `` right decision '' but cautioned : `` Enjoying patriotic songs does not and should not be a barrier to examining our past and learning lessons from @ @ @

A snippet of Rule, Britannia! has been played by Jacob Rees-Mogg in parliament as he urged the BBC to "recognise the virtues" of the song.
The opening lyrics rang through speakers in the Commons chamber as the leader of the house held his phone up to the microphone at the despatch box.
"When Britain first, at heaven's command," was played shortly before Mr Rees-Mogg turned off the song and sat down with a smile.
Image: The minister laughed and turned the song off after a few seconds
Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle then intervened to joke it had broken the values of the Commons, and teased: "How dare he."
The song and Land Of Hope and Glory have been in the headlines for several weeks after a newspaper reported the BBC was considering axing them from the Last Night of the Proms due to sensitivities about Britain's colonial past.
Image: A row broke out over the singing of two songs at the Last Night of the Proms
The broadcaster initially said only orchestral versions would be performed at its annual classical musical concert held at the Royal Albert Hall, but then bowed to pressure and vowed they would be sung.
Mr Rees-Mogg later apologised for "any offence I may have given" about the stunt.
Image: The BBC U-turned to allow the songs to be sung
But he added, launching into a riff on the original lyrics: "When Britain first, at heaven's command, arose from out the azure main, this was the anthem of the land and guardian angels sang this strain.
"Rule, Britannia! Britannia, rule the waves, and Britons never, never, never shall be slaves.
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"And let us hope the BBC will recognise the virtues of Britannia in this land of hope and glory."
Image: The Commons Speaker jokingly said: 'How dare he'
Mr Rees-Mogg was replying to Tory MP Joy Morrissey who claimed the BBC had used a "smokescreen set of excuses" for its original decision to "mask yet another virtue-signalling capitulation to political correctness".
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson claimed the country is going through "an orgy of national embarrassment" about its traditions and history.
And Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer's spokesperson said the BBC's U-turn was the "right decision" but cautioned: "Enjoying patriotic songs does not and should not be a barrier to examining our past and learning lessons from it."


skynewspolitics--2020-09-03--R number in Scotland could be as high as 1.4 - Sturgeon

The coronavirus reproduction rate in Scotland could be as high as 1.4 , First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said .
Speaking at her daily COVID-19 briefing , she said the `` overall prevalence '' of coronavirus remained `` low '' in Scotland .
`` Nevertheless , this is a further reminder that the virus is spreading again here , '' she said .
The first minister added : `` It is a reminder of the need for us to take this seriously and do all of the right things . ''
The R rate refers to the number of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus on to .
A figure above one means the virus is growing .
Ms Sturgeon said a further 101 people had tested positive for the virus in the past 24 hours - 53 of whom were in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde areas .
Local lockdown restrictions were imposed for Glasgow , West Dunbartonshire and East Renfrewshire earlier this week , affecting some 800,000 people .
Residents in those areas have been told not to visit other people 's homes , with the restrictions initially being put in place for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has died after testing positive for coronavirus , Ms Sturgeon said , bringing the total number of fatalities in Scotland to 2,496 .
The death occurred in August but has only just been reported .

The coronavirus reproduction rate in Scotland could be as high as 1.4, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said.
Speaking at her daily COVID-19 briefing, she said the "overall prevalence" of coronavirus remained "low" in Scotland.
"Nevertheless, this is a further reminder that the virus is spreading again here," she said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:44 Lockdown rules tightened around Glasgow
The first minister added: "It is a reminder of the need for us to take this seriously and do all of the right things."
The R rate refers to the number of people on average that an infected person passes the virus on to.
A figure above one means the virus is growing.
Ms Sturgeon said a further 101 people had tested positive for the virus in the past 24 hours - 53 of whom were in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde areas.
Local lockdown restrictions were imposed for Glasgow, West Dunbartonshire and East Renfrewshire earlier this week, affecting some 800,000 people.
Residents in those areas have been told not to visit other people's homes, with the restrictions initially being put in place for the next two weeks.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:26 Will coronavirus end the UK's union?
One further person has died after testing positive for coronavirus, Ms Sturgeon said, bringing the total number of fatalities in Scotland to 2,496.
The death occurred in August but has only just been reported.


skynewspolitics--2020-09-03--A United Kingdom? Five reasons why the Union's future feels uncertain

It was formed by the Act of Union with Wales in 1536 , the Act of Union with Scotland in 1707 and the Government of Ireland Act 1920 , creating Northern Ireland inside the United Kingdom the following year .
Yet today , questions of `` The Union '' too often boil down to the Boris and Nicola pantomime , as prime minister and first minister dance around re-running the Scottish independence question .
The challenge of governing the UK today is so much bigger than this , however .
Travelling 2,000 miles across and around the kingdom , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nations as well as their citizens , there are strains and challenges evident like never before .
Sky News has seen how coronavirus was handled differently across the four nations of the United Kingdom causing angst in Westminster , while Brexit is generating fresh warnings from one-time allies , and bringing a fresh focus on all unions , everywhere .
Here are five reasons why the Union 's future feels uncertain ... 1 .
A second Scottish independence referendum is far from impossible Boris Johnson has vowed never to authorise a second Scottish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reason to doubt his word on this , however strong the pressure from north of the border .
But that does n't make it impossible .
Speaking to Sky News , leader of the Welsh Labour Party and First Minister for Wales Mark Drakeford revealed how it could happen .
He insisted no prime minister should have the right to stand in the way of an independence referendum in either Scotland or Wales if the people wanted one .
In other words , should he be in Number 10 , Keir Starmer should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away from the UK in the way Mr Johnson is currently doing .
`` I am very clear that if a population in Scotland , or indeed in Wales , wanted to hold a referendum it is for the people of Wales and the people of Scotland to make that decision , '' Mr Drakeford told me .
`` And then that decision must be respected .
So that 's my starting point ... is that no Labour leader should argue that the component parts of the United Kingdom can be prevented from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is a headache for Sir Keir .
: : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Successive Labour leaders have ruled out `` pacts '' with the SNP in the event of a hung parliament - and continue to do so - but the consequences of high stakes government formation talks involve unpredictable outcomes .
The voices around the leader are crucial .
Richard Leonard , the embattled Scottish Labour leader , was unable to say never to supporting a second referendum , even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to supporting independence .
He told Sky he wants a `` mandate '' next May against a second referendum in the Scottish elections , an argument likely to hurt him if the SNP win big in May .
Separately , there is an outside chance the Supreme Court may eventually force the hand of the Westminster government to hold one sooner - in what would be an epic fight of mandates and arguments over sovereignty - though this involves too many legal imponderables for many in SW1 to have got their heads around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Secretary Alister Jack and Welsh Secretary Simon Hart refused to say to me the Tories would `` never '' hold one .
Mr Jack said : `` It 's not my job to say never .
My job is to say now is not the time and I am saying now is not the time . ''
Mr Hart says he does not have a crystal ball .
2 .
The SNP may not need to show how an independent Scotland can pay its bills to win The clinching argument of the 2014 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go it alone - may no longer be sufficiently effective .
First ministers Arlene Foster and Mr Drakeford both say Northern Ireland and Wales respectively could n't alone have afforded this year 's emergency coronavirus help provided by the United Kingdom Treasury .
Scottish Secretary Mr Jack wants Scots to focus on this issue too , calling it the £6bn question .
Pressed over whether a newly independent Scotland could borrow massively without the support of a Bank of England - which in March had to step in to defend high borrowing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insisted Scotland would cope .
Initially Scotland would use Sterling before changing to a `` different currency arrangement '' or `` a separate Scottish currency '' .
But she added : `` The idea that Scotland uniquely in the world is not capable of having its currency , of having the infrastructure to support that and operating like other small countries , the world over does , is just nonsense .
And we are a country that has greater resources than many other countries across the globe , and we are perfectly capable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ successfully an independent country . ''
On the streets of Edinburgh , voters wanting independence showed little concern for the warnings , which echo so-called `` Project Fear '' during Brexit .
Asked whether Scotland could afford another coronavirus or a scheme like furlough , one young independence supporter thanked the Treasury , admitted there 'd probably be a problem but then said `` we do n't know until we do it '' , and reaffirmed his commitment to breaking away .
This should worry cabinet ministers as they work on their arguments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
3 .
Northern Ireland is the most fragile part of the United Kingdom , not Scotland Northern Ireland has handled coronavirus strikingly differently , not that Westminster has noticed , necessitating co-operation with the Republic of Ireland , which is likely to cause angst among some unionists .
The government has developed a coronavirus contact tracing app compatible with the one in the Republic of Ireland .
A north-south memorandum was struck with Dublin , hailed by nationalists , and work was done to keep the border flowing with the North .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ along the timetable of the British mainland , instead more closely to the Republic 's decision to keep them largely shut .
`` I think coronavirus has changed the way everything works at this moment in time , '' Robin Swann , Northern Ireland 's Ulster Unionist health minister , told me .
`` I have as good a relationship with the health minister in Ireland as I do with Matt Hancock . ''
He , like DUP first minister Mrs Foster , deny this is a shift with any constitutional implications , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Belfast-Dublin co-operation has any greater resonance beyond sensible information sharing in a global emergency .
Asked if people think political allegiances in Northern Ireland are moving because of coronavirus co-operation with the Republic , Mrs Foster said : `` Well they 're definitely reading too much into it a lot .
I mean , that 's not the case . ''
However , Séamas de Faoite , a nationalist on Belfast council , disagrees .
He thinks `` the conversation ( about whether Northern Ireland 's future is with the Republic ) has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ councillor added : `` In the context of Northern Ireland 's politics coronavirus is neither green nor orange , it does n't respect or adhere to any constitutional viewpoints or barriers , and that has prompted us into the position where there is a realisation that north-south co-operation works , no matter what your constitutional position . ''
One of the United Kingdom 's most senior unionists jokingly placed a bet with me that Northern Ireland might be the first to break away , before Scotland .
Constitutionally , there is a case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gives Northern Ireland the opportunity for a border poll - a vote for a united Ireland - if the secretary of state thinks it likely that a majority would vote for a united Ireland .
This means the risks are huge .
Could community peace be maintained in the event of a referendum on its borders , given the turbulence which the 2014 and 2016 votes across the UK caused ?
Ministers should not assume Wales 's future is assured in the event the other nations break away .
Welsh first minister Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stand up for Wales , but Wales is part of the United Kingdom '' - but added that `` if the United Kingdom were to fracture ... then everybody will have to think about the way in what remains can go on working for everybody '' .
4 .
Boris Johnson 's ministers do not much like devolution as it stands Coronavirus has meant a `` great awakening '' about the realities of devolution - the three nations ' ability to govern themselves in certain areas - Ms Sturgeon told Sky News .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ever even aware Whitehall has no direct control over health outside England .
Ms Foster and Mr Drakeford both say the ability to differ responses from Westminster have proved devolution is a success .
Yet cabinet ministers can not hide their discomfort with it .
Scottish Secretary Mr Jack said he wished nations would not move at different speeds on coronavirus .
`` I would prefer we move as one , particularly because my constituency ... especially close to the border ... and it has been confusing for people , all the different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others have said that from other parts of the UK to me , so I would prefer we move together as one . ''
Welsh Secretary Simon Hart suggested that the first minsters have been playing politics in some cases with coronavirus .
`` The idea that Wales or Scotland or NI or England may do things differently because they can , '' he said .
`` I think that is quite frustrating if you happen to be a business or a family or a charity or an individual , which may particularly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cross-border interests .
If you 're struggling to run a business and you may be in one of the border counties when you rely very heavily on cross-border activity , that can be intensely frustrating and give rise to people thinking , well actually , this is about politics , it 's not about the economy or it 's not about COVID . ''
The Tory response to the challenges of the union is to fly the flag - something Ms Sturgeon believes pushes up support for independence .
Boris Johnson has announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since the creation of Northern Ireland , while the UK government has just moved into a new `` hub '' in Edinburgh where there is a room big enough to hold cabinet meetings .
There seems little appetite for Mr Drakeford 's more low key approach .
He argues : `` I 've never been much attracted to , sort of , 'Rule Britannia ' British value sentimental argument to the United Kingdom unless you can make it work practically and demonstrate to people it makes a difference in their lives in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you can make that practical case . ''
Few would be surprised that Mr Drakeford or Ms Sturgeon warn against a no-deal Brexit , or the consequences of a deal .
But its implications in Northern Ireland are the least understood - as talks are still ongoing - and potentially far-reaching .
Speaking to Sky News , Ms Foster makes no secret of the strains it has caused to the Union .
`` I think it did damage the relationship between the two of us , '' she said , referring to Boris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that she and the DUP vehemently opposed .
`` But I have to recognise that that is the reality now ... What I have to do now , of course , is to try and mitigate against that protocol .
l mitigate and mitigate against the damage that it could do to Northern Ireland .
`` And that 's what I 'm engaged in the present . ''
She worries no deal means more checks on goods coming from Great Britain .
She says she does n't see evidence of the Westminster government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cagey about Dominic Cummings and his commitment to the Union , but says that Michael Gove is her champion inside government .
`` I have only met Dominic Cummings on a very limited number of occasions , and I do n't know what his inner thoughts are in relation to the Union .
But I know that there are many other voices there as well , who absolutely advocate for the Union . ''
Pressed on whether everyone wants a deal in government that will protect the Union , she appears to concede @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you know , not everybody understands Northern Ireland in the way that for example , Michael Gove understands Northern Ireland , and we 're very pleased that he was here last week and we will continue to work with the chancellor and indeed with all the other members , '' she said .
With Ms Sturgeon warning of the economic damage , Scottish Secretary Mr Jack told me there was no question the government would succeed in getting a deal eventually .
`` We are going to get a Brexit deal , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ na get a Brexit deal by holding to our deadlines .
`` There is no doubt that Scotland voted over 60 % against Brexit and that has upset people and I think we saw that reflected in the results in the general election in 2019 but I will say to people , you know , hold your nerve .
We will get a deal . ''

It was formed by the Act of Union with Wales in 1536, the Act of Union with Scotland in 1707 and the Government of Ireland Act 1920, creating Northern Ireland inside the United Kingdom the following year.
Yet today, questions of "The Union" too often boil down to the Boris and Nicola pantomime, as prime minister and first minister dance around re-running the Scottish independence question.
The challenge of governing the UK today is so much bigger than this, however.
Image: Nicola Sturgeon and Boris Johnson have very differing views on the Union
Travelling 2,000 miles across and around the kingdom, and speaking to the leaders of all the nations as well as their citizens, there are strains and challenges evident like never before.
Sky News has seen how coronavirus was handled differently across the four nations of the United Kingdom causing angst in Westminster, while Brexit is generating fresh warnings from one-time allies, and bringing a fresh focus on all unions, everywhere.
Here are five reasons why the Union's future feels uncertain...
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 11:57 Is the union in trouble?
1. A second Scottish independence referendum is far from impossible
Boris Johnson has vowed never to authorise a second Scottish independence referendum, and there is no reason to doubt his word on this, however strong the pressure from north of the border. But that doesn't make it impossible.
Speaking to Sky News, leader of the Welsh Labour Party and First Minister for Wales Mark Drakeford revealed how it could happen.
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He insisted no prime minister should have the right to stand in the way of an independence referendum in either Scotland or Wales if the people wanted one. In other words, should he be in Number 10, Keir Starmer should not block a vote on Scotland breaking away from the UK in the way Mr Johnson is currently doing.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:30 'Where's your mask, Boris?': PM heckled in Scotland
"I am very clear that if a population in Scotland, or indeed in Wales, wanted to hold a referendum it is for the people of Wales and the people of Scotland to make that decision," Mr Drakeford told me.
"And then that decision must be respected. So that's my starting point... is that no Labour leader should argue that the component parts of the United Kingdom can be prevented from navigating a future for themselves."
This is a headache for Sir Keir.
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Successive Labour leaders have ruled out "pacts" with the SNP in the event of a hung parliament - and continue to do so - but the consequences of high stakes government formation talks involve unpredictable outcomes. The voices around the leader are crucial.
Richard Leonard, the embattled Scottish Labour leader, was unable to say never to supporting a second referendum, even though he readily declares "never" to supporting independence.
He told Sky he wants a "mandate" next May against a second referendum in the Scottish elections, an argument likely to hurt him if the SNP win big in May.
Image: Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford said he could not rule out a referendum if the people wanted it
Separately, there is an outside chance the Supreme Court may eventually force the hand of the Westminster government to hold one sooner - in what would be an epic fight of mandates and arguments over sovereignty - though this involves too many legal imponderables for many in SW1 to have got their heads around yet.
Curiously, both the Scottish Secretary Alister Jack and Welsh Secretary Simon Hart refused to say to me the Tories would "never" hold one. Mr Jack said: "It's not my job to say never. My job is to say now is not the time and I am saying now is not the time."
Mr Hart says he does not have a crystal ball.
2. The SNP may not need to show how an independent Scotland can pay its bills to win
The clinching argument of the 2014 referendum - that Scotland can't afford to go it alone - may no longer be sufficiently effective.
First ministers Arlene Foster and Mr Drakeford both say Northern Ireland and Wales respectively couldn't alone have afforded this year's emergency coronavirus help provided by the United Kingdom Treasury. Scottish Secretary Mr Jack wants Scots to focus on this issue too, calling it the £6bn question.
Pressed over whether a newly independent Scotland could borrow massively without the support of a Bank of England - which in March had to step in to defend high borrowing by the UK government - Nicola Sturgeon insisted Scotland would cope.
Image: Scotland may not have to prove how it will fund itself
Initially Scotland would use Sterling before changing to a "different currency arrangement" or "a separate Scottish currency".
But she added: "The idea that Scotland uniquely in the world is not capable of having its currency, of having the infrastructure to support that and operating like other small countries, the world over does, is just nonsense. And we are a country that has greater resources than many other countries across the globe, and we are perfectly capable of becoming an independent country and operating successfully an independent country."
On the streets of Edinburgh, voters wanting independence showed little concern for the warnings, which echo so-called "Project Fear" during Brexit.
Asked whether Scotland could afford another coronavirus or a scheme like furlough, one young independence supporter thanked the Treasury, admitted there'd probably be a problem but then said "we don't know until we do it", and reaffirmed his commitment to breaking away.
This should worry cabinet ministers as they work on their arguments for the Union in the coming months.
3. Northern Ireland is the most fragile part of the United Kingdom, not Scotland
Northern Ireland has handled coronavirus strikingly differently, not that Westminster has noticed, necessitating co-operation with the Republic of Ireland, which is likely to cause angst among some unionists.
The government has developed a coronavirus contact tracing app compatible with the one in the Republic of Ireland. A north-south memorandum was struck with Dublin, hailed by nationalists, and work was done to keep the border flowing with the North.
Image: Northern Ireland is the most fragile nation in the union
Pubs in Northern Ireland did not reopen along the timetable of the British mainland, instead more closely to the Republic's decision to keep them largely shut.
"I think coronavirus has changed the way everything works at this moment in time," Robin Swann, Northern Ireland's Ulster Unionist health minister, told me.
"I have as good a relationship with the health minister in Ireland as I do with Matt Hancock."
He, like DUP first minister Mrs Foster, deny this is a shift with any constitutional implications, and reject the idea that embracing of Belfast-Dublin co-operation has any greater resonance beyond sensible information sharing in a global emergency.
Asked if people think political allegiances in Northern Ireland are moving because of coronavirus co-operation with the Republic, Mrs Foster said: "Well they're definitely reading too much into it a lot. I mean, that's not the case."
However, Séamas de Faoite, a nationalist on Belfast council, disagrees. He thinks "the conversation (about whether Northern Ireland's future is with the Republic) has very seriously begun".
The SDLP councillor added: "In the context of Northern Ireland's politics coronavirus is neither green nor orange, it doesn't respect or adhere to any constitutional viewpoints or barriers, and that has prompted us into the position where there is a realisation that north-south co-operation works, no matter what your constitutional position."
Image: Arlene Foster said people are reading into to much after Northern Ireland and the Republic worked together during the pandemic
One of the United Kingdom's most senior unionists jokingly placed a bet with me that Northern Ireland might be the first to break away, before Scotland.
Constitutionally, there is a case for this.
The Good Friday Agreement gives Northern Ireland the opportunity for a border poll - a vote for a united Ireland - if the secretary of state thinks it likely that a majority would vote for a united Ireland.
This means the risks are huge.
Could community peace be maintained in the event of a referendum on its borders, given the turbulence which the 2014 and 2016 votes across the UK caused?
Ministers should not assume Wales's future is assured in the event the other nations break away. Welsh first minister Mr Drakeford told me "we have to stand up for Wales, but Wales is part of the United Kingdom" - but added that "if the United Kingdom were to fracture... then everybody will have to think about the way in what remains can go on working for everybody".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:55 Brexit talks 'sticking points' explained
4. Boris Johnson's ministers do not much like devolution as it stands
Coronavirus has meant a "great awakening" about the realities of devolution - the three nations' ability to govern themselves in certain areas - Ms Sturgeon told Sky News. She felt too few in Westminster were ever even aware Whitehall has no direct control over health outside England.
Ms Foster and Mr Drakeford both say the ability to differ responses from Westminster have proved devolution is a success.
Yet cabinet ministers cannot hide their discomfort with it.
Scottish Secretary Mr Jack said he wished nations would not move at different speeds on coronavirus. "I would prefer we move as one, particularly because my constituency... especially close to the border... and it has been confusing for people, all the different rules regulations. And I know that others have said that from other parts of the UK to me, so I would prefer we move together as one."
Image: Scottish Secretary Alister Jack wanted all the nations to work together on coronavirus
Welsh Secretary Simon Hart suggested that the first minsters have been playing politics in some cases with coronavirus.
"The idea that Wales or Scotland or NI or England may do things differently because they can," he said.
"I think that is quite frustrating if you happen to be a business or a family or a charity or an individual, which may particularly in Wales' case, have significant cross-border interests. If you're struggling to run a business and you may be in one of the border counties when you rely very heavily on cross-border activity, that can be intensely frustrating and give rise to people thinking, well actually, this is about politics, it's not about the economy or it's not about COVID."
The Tory response to the challenges of the union is to fly the flag - something Ms Sturgeon believes pushes up support for independence.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:26 Will coronavirus end the UK's union?
Boris Johnson has announced a festival next year marking 100 years since the creation of Northern Ireland, while the UK government has just moved into a new "hub" in Edinburgh where there is a room big enough to hold cabinet meetings.
There seems little appetite for Mr Drakeford's more low key approach.
He argues: "I've never been much attracted to, sort of, 'Rule Britannia' British value sentimental argument to the United Kingdom unless you can make it work practically and demonstrate to people it makes a difference in their lives in the case has diminished, but I think you can make that practical case."
5. Northern Ireland needs a Brexit deal says Arlene Foster
Few would be surprised that Mr Drakeford or Ms Sturgeon warn against a no-deal Brexit, or the consequences of a deal.
But its implications in Northern Ireland are the least understood - as talks are still ongoing - and potentially far-reaching.
Speaking to Sky News, Ms Foster makes no secret of the strains it has caused to the Union.
Image: The Irish border has been a major issue in Brexit talks
"I think it did damage the relationship between the two of us," she said, referring to Boris Johnson who agreed a deal with Brussels that she and the DUP vehemently opposed.
"But I have to recognise that that is the reality now... What I have to do now, of course, is to try and mitigate against that protocol. l mitigate and mitigate against the damage that it could do to Northern Ireland.
"And that's what I'm engaged in the present."
She worries no deal means more checks on goods coming from Great Britain.
She says she doesn't see evidence of the Westminster government heading for no deal, but is cagey about Dominic Cummings and his commitment to the Union, but says that Michael Gove is her champion inside government.
"I have only met Dominic Cummings on a very limited number of occasions, and I don't know what his inner thoughts are in relation to the Union. But I know that there are many other voices there as well, who absolutely advocate for the Union."
Image: Michael Gove has been Northern Ireland's ally in Brexit talks, Arlene Foster says
Pressed on whether everyone wants a deal in government that will protect the Union, she appears to concede they do not.
"Well, you know, not everybody understands Northern Ireland in the way that for example, Michael Gove understands Northern Ireland, and we're very pleased that he was here last week and we will continue to work with the chancellor and indeed with all the other members," she said.
With Ms Sturgeon warning of the economic damage, Scottish Secretary Mr Jack told me there was no question the government would succeed in getting a deal eventually.
"We are going to get a Brexit deal," he said. "We're gonna get a Brexit deal by holding to our deadlines.
"There is no doubt that Scotland voted over 60% against Brexit and that has upset people and I think we saw that reflected in the results in the general election in 2019 but I will say to people, you know, hold your nerve. We will get a deal."


skynewspolitics--2020-09-04--'Significant gaps' in UK's Brexit border plans, logistics bosses warn

Haulage bosses have called for an urgent meeting with cabinet ministers over concerns about `` significant gaps '' in the UK 's Brexit border preparations .
Eight logistics organisations have written to Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove warning that the UK-EU supply chain `` will be severely disrupted '' from January , if issues are not resolved by the end of the Brexit transition period .
Areas of concern include IT systems and physical border infrastructure .
The letter states : `` As key participants in the supply chain who will be required to deliver a functional operating border for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have visibility of the current state of preparedness which , as it stands , has significant gaps .
`` If these issues are not addressed , disruption to UK business and the supply chain that we all rely so heavily on will be severely disrupted . ''
Logistics UK has also warned that the Smart Freight system is among the vital components that might not be ready in time .
Smart Freight is one of eight IT systems that hauliers will need to use to move goods between the UK and Europe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sarah Laouadi , European policy manager at Logistics UK , said : `` We are concerned that mass user testing of the software will not be possible until October - or maybe even November .
`` This is far too late for the thousands of companies and tens of thousands of people who build our complex supply chains to redesign their own processes and contractual relations before the transition period ends .
`` This timeline brings Smart Freight onstream at the height of the Christmas peak - traditionally the busiest time of year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible time for our members to test and train staff in new working practices .
`` Even if the software is ready by the end of the year , the government 's plans ignore the users ' perspective - our members will need time to learn the new system , adopt it and help to iron out any potential issues in the system .
`` This will leave logistics businesses carrying the can for the government 's failure to plan in a timely fashion - something we have been warning about for some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , without time to plan and bring in the new systems , the sector is `` being set up to fail at the start of the new year '' .
Road Haulage Association chief executive Richard Burnett said : `` There are a range of critical issues the chancellor , Michael Gove and the transport secretary need to address , ranging from the Smart Freight app and other untried and untested IT systems , to the lack of customs agents and clear processes for tackling the mountain of red tape traders will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is simply too slow on this , and that 's why we - the people who run the UK 's supply chain - need an urgent meeting with those at the top of government dealing with Brexit preparations . ''
A government spokesperson said : `` The border operating model sets out in significant detail the approach to UK border controls after the transition period .
`` We worked closely with industry in its development and will continue to do so as we move towards the end of the transition period . ''

Haulage bosses have called for an urgent meeting with cabinet ministers over concerns about "significant gaps" in the UK's Brexit border preparations.
Eight logistics organisations have written to Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove warning that the UK-EU supply chain "will be severely disrupted" from January, if issues are not resolved by the end of the Brexit transition period.
Areas of concern include IT systems and physical border infrastructure.
The letter states: "As key participants in the supply chain who will be required to deliver a functional operating border for GB and EU traders next year, we have visibility of the current state of preparedness which, as it stands, has significant gaps.
"If these issues are not addressed, disruption to UK business and the supply chain that we all rely so heavily on will be severely disrupted."
Logistics UK has also warned that the Smart Freight system is among the vital components that might not be ready in time.
Smart Freight is one of eight IT systems that hauliers will need to use to move goods between the UK and Europe from the beginning of next year.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:35 Why trucks have stalled Brexit trade progress
Sarah Laouadi, European policy manager at Logistics UK, said: "We are concerned that mass user testing of the software will not be possible until October - or maybe even November.
"This is far too late for the thousands of companies and tens of thousands of people who build our complex supply chains to redesign their own processes and contractual relations before the transition period ends.
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"This timeline brings Smart Freight onstream at the height of the Christmas peak - traditionally the busiest time of year for the logistics industry - the worst possible time for our members to test and train staff in new working practices.
"Even if the software is ready by the end of the year, the government's plans ignore the users' perspective - our members will need time to learn the new system, adopt it and help to iron out any potential issues in the system.
"This will leave logistics businesses carrying the can for the government's failure to plan in a timely fashion - something we have been warning about for some time now."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:08 August: EU negotiator 'disappointed' by Brexit talks
Ms Laouadi warned that, without time to plan and bring in the new systems, the sector is "being set up to fail at the start of the new year".
Road Haulage Association chief executive Richard Burnett said: "There are a range of critical issues the chancellor, Michael Gove and the transport secretary need to address, ranging from the Smart Freight app and other untried and untested IT systems, to the lack of customs agents and clear processes for tackling the mountain of red tape traders will face.
"The government's pace is simply too slow on this, and that's why we - the people who run the UK's supply chain - need an urgent meeting with those at the top of government dealing with Brexit preparations."
A government spokesperson said: "The border operating model sets out in significant detail the approach to UK border controls after the transition period.
"We worked closely with industry in its development and will continue to do so as we move towards the end of the transition period."


skynewspolitics--2020-09-04--Abbott 'not fit' to get UK trade job due to LGBT comments - Sir Ian McKellen

Tony Abbott is `` not fit '' to be handed a top role in UK trade because of alleged homophobic and sexist comments , senior LGBT figures including Sir Ian McKellen and charities like Stonewall have said .
The government is being urged not to appoint the ex-Australian prime minister as a senior adviser over the remarks and other controversial comments on coronavirus and climate change .
Mr Abbott has been recommended to join the UK 's board of trade by International Trade Secretary Liz Truss , but Downing Street will not confirm if he has been accepted .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not downplay suggestions he was being lined up for the top job , only saying he could not comment on positions that are `` not yet official '' .
After senior ministers defended the potential appointment , a group of cross-party politicians and LGBT organisations upped pressure on the government not to give the job to Mr Abbott .
They say he described himself as being `` threatened by homosexuality '' and `` vigorously '' campaigned against legalising same-sex marriage in Australia .
Other reported comments include calling abortion `` the easy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` more adapted to exercise authority '' .
The signatories , including Tory peer Lord Hayward , screenwriter Russell T Davies , Peter Tatchell , co-chair of Pride in London Alison Camps and dozens more , say his views should be rejected by a government that has an `` outward-looking future for Britain '' .
Rachel McClelland , an activist and filmmaker who organised the letter , told Sky News seeing ministers defend Mr Abbott left `` me and many other activists with our heads in our hands '' .
She said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been made and it 's now been days of relentless media coverage about exactly that .
`` If Number 10 are hoping they can hide and make it go away , they 're wrong .
`` This is another example of the culture at Downing Street , which has now serially hired civil servants with atrocious views in an attempt at 'neurodiversity ' .
`` If Dominic Cummings wants to talk diversity , how about he invites more women , BAME , and LGBT+ people to the table - and ensure that cock-ups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past . ''
Julia Gillard , another former Australian prime minister who famously branded Mr Abbott a misoygnist in parliament in 2012 , told Sky News `` I stand by every word of it '' .
But Mr Abbott 's sister , Christine Forster , has defended him , saying `` as a woman who has always been part of his life and who came out to him as gay in my early 40s , I know incontrovertibly '' that he is not homophobic or sexist .
`` In reality he is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an unabashed conservative but with great compassion , respect for others and an incredible sense of doing what is right , '' she tweeted .
`` Tony would be an outstanding trade envoy for the UK , based on his track record as prime minister of delivering our three long-awaited and important trade deals with Japan , China and South Korea . ''
Health Secretary Matt Hancock , who wore an NHS badge with the LGBT+ rainbow badge in his interview with Sky News on Thursday , declined to condemn any of Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying that `` he 's also an expert in trade '' .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson 's spokesman insisted `` no decision '' has been taken and refused to comment on the `` political debate '' .
Number 10 and the Department for International Trade have both been contacted for comment .

Tony Abbott is "not fit" to be handed a top role in UK trade because of alleged homophobic and sexist comments, senior LGBT figures including Sir Ian McKellen have said.
The government is being urged not to appoint the ex-Australian prime minister as a senior adviser over the remarks and other controversial comments on coronavirus and climate change.
Mr Abbott has been recommended to join the UK's board of trade by International Trade Secretary Liz Truss, but Boris Johnson will not confirm if he has been accepted.
Image: Sir Ian McKellen is among those who have backed the plea
The prime minister said "I obviously don't agree" with some of his previous positions.
Mr Abbott has been visiting London this week and did not downplay suggestions he was being lined up for the top job, only saying he could not comment on positions that are "not yet official".
After senior ministers defended the potential appointment, a group of cross-party politicians and LGBT organisations upped pressure on the government not to give the job to Mr Abbott.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:43 'Would you go for a beer with Tony Abbott?'
They say he described himself as being "threatened by homosexuality" and "vigorously" campaigned against legalising same-sex marriage in Australia.
Other reported comments include calling abortion "the easy way out" and saying men are "more adapted to exercise authority".
The signatories, including Stonewall, Tory peer Lord Hayward, screenwriter Russell T Davies, Peter Tatchell, co-chair of Pride in London Alison Camps and dozens more, say his views should be rejected by a government that has an "outward-looking future for Britain".
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Image: The letter's organiser said Downing Street was attempting 'neurodiversity'
Rachel McClelland, an activist and filmmaker who organised the letter, told Sky News seeing ministers defend Mr Abbott left "me and many other activists with our heads in our hands".
She said: "This uninspired appointment should never have been made and it's now been days of relentless media coverage about exactly that.
"If Number 10 are hoping they can hide and make it go away, they're wrong.
"This is another example of the culture at Downing Street, which has now serially hired civil servants with atrocious views in an attempt at 'neurodiversity'.
"If Dominic Cummings wants to talk diversity, how about he invites more women, BAME, and LGBT+ people to the table - and ensure that cock-ups like this are a thing of the past."
Julia Gillard, another former Australian prime minister who famously branded Mr Abbott a misoygnist in parliament in 2012, told Sky News "I stand by every word of it".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 9:00 Gillard: 'I stand by what I said on Abbott'
But Mr Johnson defended him, saying: "This is a guy who was elected by the people of the great, liberal, democratic nation of Australia.
"It's an amazing country, it's a freedom-loving country, it's a liberal country.
"There you go! I think that speaks for itself"
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:34 Homophobic, misogynist? He's also a trade expert
Mr Abbott's sister, Christine Forster, also backed him, saying "as a woman who has always been part of his life and who came out to him as gay in my early 40s, I know incontrovertibly" that he is not homophobic or sexist.
"In reality he is a man of great conviction and intellect: an unabashed conservative but with great compassion, respect for others and an incredible sense of doing what is right," she tweeted.
"Tony would be an outstanding trade envoy for the UK, based on his track record as prime minister of delivering our three long-awaited and important trade deals with Japan, China and South Korea."
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Health Secretary Matt Hancock, who wore an NHS badge with the LGBT+ rainbow badge in his interview with Sky News on Thursday, declined to condemn any of Mr Abbott's alleged homophobia and sexism, saying that "he's also an expert in trade".