skynewspolitics--2020-07-03--First ministers criticise 'shambolic' air bridges announcement

The first ministers of Scotland and Wales have hit out at the UK government 's handling of its coronavirus travel quarantine .
Downing Street has revealed which countries are exempt from quarantine - meaning passengers travelling to those countries wo n't need to self-isolate for 14 days upon returning to England .
But a row has broken out between Westminster and the devolved administrations over the policy , with the Department for Transport saying Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland will `` set out their own approach '' .
Scotland 's Nicola Sturgeon said the way Boris Johnson 's government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been `` shambolic '' .
She acknowledged there are `` obvious practical reasons '' for a joined up approach on the issue , but criticised the `` shifting sands '' of the UK policy .
Ms Sturgeon said : `` When so much is at stake as it is right now , we ca n't allow ourselves to be dragged along in the wake of , to be quite frank about it , another government 's shambolic decision process .
`` We want to welcome visitors again from around the world and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ citizens to travel .
`` We also want , if possible for obvious practical reasons , to have alignment on these matters with the rest of the UK . ''
This was echoed by Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford , who said dealing with Westminster in the last few days had been an `` utterly shambolic experience '' .
`` If ever there was an example of making an announcement first and then trying to work out what you meant by it - that is what we have seen since this announcement was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
`` And day after day we have attempted to get a sensible answer from the UK government on how they intend to make these changes , which countries they intend to extend the arrangements to , and I just have to say it 's been an impossible experience to follow . ''
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told Sky News `` we have n't managed to get the devolved administrations to sign up to it yet '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` This wo n't come in until 10 July , so there 's still an opportunity for them to do that .
It 's obviously a decision for them to make . ''
The new policy also applies to tourists visiting England from the exempted countries .
`` It is really important that we have done this in a very careful and cautious way , '' Mr Shapps said .
`` The most important thing is to maintain the gains that we have had . ''
The Foreign Office will on Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its advisory against all non-essential travel .

The first ministers of Scotland and Wales have hit out at the UK government's handling of its coronavirus travel quarantine.
Downing Street has revealed which countries are exempt from quarantine - meaning passengers travelling to those countries won't need to self-isolate for 14 days upon returning to England.
But a row has broken out between Westminster and the devolved administrations over the policy, with the Department for Transport saying Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will "set out their own approach".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:49 Sturgeon calls UK govt 'shambolic'
Scotland's Nicola Sturgeon said the way Boris Johnson's government has gone about setting up travel quarantine rules has been "shambolic".
She acknowledged there are "obvious practical reasons" for a joined up approach on the issue, but criticised the "shifting sands" of the UK policy.
Ms Sturgeon said: "When so much is at stake as it is right now, we can't allow ourselves to be dragged along in the wake of, to be quite frank about it, another government's shambolic decision process.
"We want to welcome visitors again from around the world and we also want to allow our own citizens to travel.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 12:13 Transport secretary on air bridges
"We also want, if possible for obvious practical reasons, to have alignment on these matters with the rest of the UK."
This was echoed by Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford, who said dealing with Westminster in the last few days had been an "utterly shambolic experience".
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"If ever there was an example of making an announcement first and then trying to work out what you meant by it - that is what we have seen since this announcement was first trailed in the press," he said.
"And day after day we have attempted to get a sensible answer from the UK government on how they intend to make these changes, which countries they intend to extend the arrangements to, and I just have to say it's been an impossible experience to follow."
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told Sky News "we haven't managed to get the devolved administrations to sign up to it yet".
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But he added: "This won't come in until 10 July, so there's still an opportunity for them to do that. It's obviously a decision for them to make."
The new policy also applies to tourists visiting England from the exempted countries.
"It is really important that we have done this in a very careful and cautious way," Mr Shapps said.
"The most important thing is to maintain the gains that we have had."
The Foreign Office will on Saturday also exempt a number of countries from its advisory against all non-essential travel.


skynewspolitics--2020-07-02--UK secures global satellite system after OneWeb space race

A victorious UK government-led bid for collapsed satellite operator OneWeb is being hailed as an opportunity to realise global ambitions ahead of the country 's departure from the EU .
The Department for Business , Energy and Industrial Strategy ( BEIS ) said it was planning a £400m investment after taking a `` significant '' stake in OneWeb - which entered bankruptcy protection in May after failing to raise more cash from investors to plug a $ 2bn deficit .
The company has a fleet of satellites - 74 of them in space - though its financial constraints forced delays @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gives the government access to a ready-made network as Brexit nears , largely ending the UK 's association with the EU 's Galileo network .
Bharti Enterprises , the giant Indian-based telecoms services provider , is part of the consortium due to take control of OneWeb following the bid process though the agreement still has to be rubber-stamped in court and by regulators .
Sky News reported on Thursday how SoftBank and Mubadala , an investment arm of the Abu Dhabi government , had been in talks with Whitehall officials about contributing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was no confirmation of their involvement on Friday .
The UK taxpayer 's involvement in the project is said to have been driven by Dominic Cummings , the prime minister 's chief adviser .
BEIS said the acquisition `` signals the government 's ambition for the UK to be a pioneer in the research , development , manufacturing , and exploitation of novel satellite technologies through the ownership of a fleet of Low Earth orbit satellites '' .
The statement added : `` The deal will enable the company to complete construction of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enhanced broadband and other services to countries around the world .
`` The deal also offers the UK strategic opportunities across a wide range of other applications , working with our international allies . ''
The business secretary Alok Sharma said : `` This deal underlines the scale of Britain 's ambitions on the global stage .
`` Our access to a global fleet of satellites has the potential to connect millions of people worldwide to broadband , many for the first time , and the deal presents the opportunity to further develop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the UK . ''
Rival bidders for OneWeb are thought to have included Canada 's Telesat and there was also confirmed suggestions of Chinese and Russian interest .

A victorious UK government-led bid for collapsed satellite operator OneWeb is being hailed as an opportunity to realise global ambitions ahead of the country's departure from the EU.
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) said it was planning a £400m investment after taking a "significant" stake in OneWeb - which entered bankruptcy protection in May after failing to raise more cash from investors to plug a $2bn deficit.
The company has a fleet of satellites - 74 of them in space - though its financial constraints forced delays to further launch schedules.
The deal gives the government access to a ready-made network as Brexit nears, largely ending the UK's association with the EU's Galileo network.
Bharti Enterprises, the giant Indian-based telecoms services provider, is part of the consortium due to take control of OneWeb following the bid process though the agreement still has to be rubber-stamped in court and by regulators.
Sky News reported on Thursday how SoftBank and Mubadala, an investment arm of the Abu Dhabi government, had been in talks with Whitehall officials about contributing to the new shareholders' group.
There was no confirmation of their involvement on Friday.
The UK taxpayer's involvement in the project is said to have been driven by Dominic Cummings, the prime minister's chief adviser.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:56 November 2018: Doubts for UK satellite plans after Brexit
BEIS said the acquisition "signals the government's ambition for the UK to be a pioneer in the research, development, manufacturing, and exploitation of novel satellite technologies through the ownership of a fleet of Low Earth orbit satellites".
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The statement added: "The deal will enable the company to complete construction of a global satellite constellation that will provide enhanced broadband and other services to countries around the world.
"The deal also offers the UK strategic opportunities across a wide range of other applications, working with our international allies."
The business secretary Alok Sharma said: "This deal underlines the scale of Britain's ambitions on the global stage.
"Our access to a global fleet of satellites has the potential to connect millions of people worldwide to broadband, many for the first time, and the deal presents the opportunity to further develop our strong advanced manufacturing
base right here in the UK."
Rival bidders for OneWeb are thought to have included Canada's Telesat and there was also confirmed suggestions of Chinese and Russian interest.


skynewspolitics--2020-07-03--First ministers criticise 'shambolic' travel quarantine announcement

The first ministers of Scotland and Wales have hit out at the UK government 's handling of its coronavirus travel quarantine .
Downing Street has revealed which countries are exempt from quarantine - meaning passengers travelling to those countries wo n't need to self-isolate for 14 days upon returning to England .
But a row has broken out between Westminster and the devolved administrations over the policy , with the Department for Transport saying Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland will `` set out their own approach '' .
Scotland 's Nicola Sturgeon said the way Boris Johnson 's government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rules has been `` shambolic '' .
She acknowledged there are `` obvious practical reasons '' for a joined up approach on the issue , but criticised the `` shifting sands '' of the UK policy .
Ms Sturgeon said : `` When so much is at stake as it is right now , we ca n't allow ourselves to be dragged along in the wake of , to be quite frank about it , another government 's shambolic decision process .
`` We want to welcome visitors again from around the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own citizens to travel .
`` We also want , if possible for obvious practical reasons , to have alignment on these matters with the rest of the UK . ''
This was echoed by Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford , who said dealing with Westminster in the last few days had been an `` utterly shambolic experience '' .
`` If ever there was an example of making an announcement first and then trying to work out what you meant by it - that is what we have seen since this announcement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he said .
`` And day after day we have attempted to get a sensible answer from the UK government on how they intend to make these changes , which countries they intend to extend the arrangements to , and I just have to say it 's been an impossible experience to follow . ''
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told Sky News `` we have n't managed to get the devolved administrations to sign up to it yet '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added : `` This wo n't come in until 10 July , so there 's still an opportunity for them to do that .
It 's obviously a decision for them to make . ''
The new policy also applies to tourists visiting England from the exempted countries .
`` It is really important that we have done this in a very careful and cautious way , '' Mr Shapps said .
`` The most important thing is to maintain the gains that we have had . ''
The Foreign Office will on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from its advisory against all non-essential travel .


skynewspolitics--2020-07-04--Video appears to show Farage broke 14-day quarantine rule with trip to pub

Nigel Farage appears to have broken the UK 's quarantine rules after posting a photo in a pub at midday today - less than two weeks after returning from the US .
There are calls for an investigation after the Brexit Party leader shared a photo with a pint as the coronavirus lockdown in England eased and pubs reopened for the first time .
He wrote : `` 12 o'clock , first customer in .
Love it . ''
MSNBC footage shows Mr Farage at a Donald Trump rally in Tulsa , Oklahoma , at 1.02am ( UK time ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tulsa to England take at least 10 hours , so if Mr Farage stayed for the US president 's address , which ended at 3am UK time , he would have been able to arrive back in the UK at lunchtime the same day at the very earliest .
With this timeline , he should be quarantining until Sunday under the UK 's 14-day rule .
Ed Davey MP , the acting leader of the Liberal Democrats , says he has written to Kent Police asking them to investigate whether the 56-year-old has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clearly serious questions to answer for Nigel Farage , '' Mr Davey said in a statement .
`` It is clear from his social media posts that he was in America on 20 June , and he was pictured at a Trump rally that evening .
`` Given the current requirements for visitors returning to the UK to isolate for 14 full days on their return , Nigel Farage appears to be in violation of the quarantine .
`` It is a responsibility of everyone to take the lockdown requirements seriously in order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` By choosing to go to the pub when it appears he should have been staying at home , Mr Farage is showing a flagrant disregard for the safety of people in his community . ''
After his initial tweet from the pub attracted attention over the apparent breach , Mr Farage addressed the issue in a second post , saying he had been back for two weeks and been tested for COVID-19 , with a negative result .
Told by Sky News that Mr Davey had complained to police about his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sad Ed Davey .
Needs to get a life . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Under the UK 's quarantine rules , implemented from 8 June , all passengers coming into the country from abroad - with a handful of exceptions - have been required to go into self-isolation for 14 days at a declared address when they arrive in the UK .
According to government guidelines , if you are tested and receive a negative result for coronavirus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been in the UK for the full 14 days , even if your symptoms have gone .
In England , if you do not self-isolate , you can be fined £1,000 .
Also , at the time of Mr Farage 's trip , the US had barred entry to arrivals from Britain , with the exception of US citizens , their family members and `` individuals who meet specified exceptions '' .
Bennie G Thompson , chairman of the House of Representatives ' committee on homeland security , said the decision to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ questions '' at the time of travel restrictions from the UK .
Sky News has contacted a representative for Mr Farage and the Home Office for comment .

Nigel Farage appears to have broken the UK's quarantine rules after posting a photo in a pub at midday today - less than two weeks after returning from the US.
There are calls for an investigation after the Brexit Party leader shared a photo with a pint as the coronavirus lockdown in England eased and pubs reopened for the first time. He wrote: "12 o'clock, first customer in. Love it."
MSNBC footage shows Mr Farage at a Donald Trump rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at 1.02am (UK time) on 21 June.
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Commercial flights from Tulsa to England take at least 10 hours, so if Mr Farage stayed for the US president's address, which ended at 3am UK time, he would have been able to arrive back in the UK at lunchtime the same day at the very earliest.
With this timeline, he should be quarantining until Sunday under the UK's 14-day rule.
Ed Davey MP, the acting leader of the Liberal Democrats, says he has written to Kent Police asking them to investigate whether the 56-year-old has broken quarantine rules.
"There are clearly serious questions to answer for Nigel Farage," Mr Davey said in a statement. "It is clear from his social media posts that he was in America on 20 June, and he was pictured at a Trump rally that evening.
"Given the current requirements for visitors returning to the UK to isolate for 14 full days on their return, Nigel Farage appears to be in violation of the quarantine.
"It is a responsibility of everyone to take the lockdown requirements seriously in order to stop the spread of the virus.
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"By choosing to go to the pub when it appears he should have been staying at home, Mr Farage is showing a flagrant disregard for the safety of people in his community."
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After his initial tweet from the pub attracted attention over the apparent breach, Mr Farage addressed the issue in a second post, saying he had been back for two weeks and been tested for COVID-19, with a negative result.
Told by Sky News that Mr Davey had complained to police about his visit, Mr Farage responded: "Sad Ed Davey. Needs to get a life."
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Under the UK's quarantine rules, implemented from 8 June, all passengers coming into the country from abroad - with a handful of exceptions - have been required to go into self-isolation for 14 days at a declared address when they arrive in the UK.
According to government guidelines, if you are tested and receive a negative result for coronavirus, you must continue to self-isolate until you have been in the UK for the full 14 days, even if your symptoms have gone.
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In England, if you do not self-isolate, you can be fined £1,000.
Also, at the time of Mr Farage's trip, the US had barred entry to arrivals from Britain, with the exception of US citizens, their family members and "individuals who meet specified exceptions".
Bennie G Thompson, chairman of the House of Representatives' committee on homeland security, said the decision to allow the visit raised "numerous troubling questions" at the time of travel restrictions from the UK.
Sky News has contacted a representative for Mr Farage and the Home Office for comment.


skynewspolitics--2020-07-04--UK set to phase out Huawei from 5G network in major U-turn - reports

The UK is poised to end the use of Huawei technology in its 5G network as soon as this year over security concerns , according to reports .
Boris Johnson is set for a major policy change after GCHQ is believed to have reassessed the risks posed by the Chinese company , The Sunday Telegraph said .
The prime minister decided in January to allow Huawei to play a limited role in the UK 's 5G network as he defied security concerns , particularly from the US , about the firm .
But a study set to be presented to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US sanctions on Huawei will force the company to use technology that is `` untrusted '' , reports say .
A report by GCHQ 's National Cyber Security Centre has decided the US sanctions barring Huawei from using technology relying on American intellectual property has had a `` severe '' impact on the firm , according to The Sunday Telegraph .
The newspaper stated that officials are crafting proposals to prevent new Huawei equipment being installed in the 5G network in as little as six months .
In January , Mr Johnson gave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % of Britain 's next generation of internet infrastructure , with other conditions that it will be excluded from all safety critical networks and from sensitive geographic locations such as nuclear sites and military bases .
The involvement of the Chinese tech firm in Britain 's 5G network is believed to have caused tension between the US and UK in recent months .
A number of prominent figures on the Conservative backbenches have also raised concerns .
Critics fear that allowing Huawei to build the network would be handing control of infrastructure to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with the company 's close links to the Chinese government , the equipment could be used for espionage , something the company has always denied .
A Huawei spokesman told the Sunday Telegraph : `` Huawei is the most scrutinised vendor in the world and we firmly believe our unrivalled transparency in the UK means we can continue to be trusted to play a part in Britain 's gigabit upgrade .
`` It 's important to focus on facts and not to speculate at this time . ''
Swedish telecoms company Ericsson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ replacing all of the Huawei equipment in the UK 's 5G network if the British government decides to ban the Chinese company .
In an interview with Sky News last week , the company 's president for Europe , Arun Bansal , said Ericsson was not lobbying for its Chinese rival to be banned - but would be capable of meeting the demand if it was .
`` Ericsson is not described as a high-risk vendor , '' Mr Bansal told Sky News .

The UK is poised to end the use of Huawei technology in its 5G network as soon as this year over security concerns.
Boris Johnson is set for a major policy change after GCHQ is believed to have reassessed the risks posed by the Chinese company.
The prime minister decided in January to allow Huawei to play a limited role in the UK's 5G network as he defied security concerns, particularly from the US, about the firm.
Image: Boris Johnson will reportedly be presented with a GCHQ report on Huawei this week
But a study set to be presented to Mr Johnson this week will declare that US sanctions on Huawei will force the company to use technology that is "untrusted", reports say.
The news was first reported in the Sunday Telegraph and Sunday Times newspapers - a security source confirmed to Sky News that the reports are "broadly accurate".
Officials are said to be crafting proposals to prevent new Huawei equipment being installed in the 5G network in as little as six months.
Asked about the reports on Sky News' Sophy Ridge On Sunday show, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he wouldn't comment on "leaks".
But he added: "What I can say though is when we came out with an interim report on this earlier in the year, there were a number of conditions that needed to be met.
"So I'm sure that the National Security Council will look at those conditions and make the right decision on this to make sure that we have both a very strong telecoms infrastructure and everyone can get a phone signal.
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"But also that it is secure and that the British government can have confidence that it is secure."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:19 Explained: Why 5G and Huawei matter
In response to the reports, Huawei's head of international media, Paul Harrison, claimed that UK policy is "being dictated" by US President Donald Trump's administration.
In a series of tweets, Mr Harrison claimed that the US was "fighting to claw back market position" on 5G from "global leader" Huawei.
He added the US had "consistently failed to provide evidence to back up endless spurious allegations".
"Shouldn't the US respect a United Kingdom in the post-Brexit era being in a position to chose its own telecommunication strategy?," Mr Harrison asked.
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In January, Mr Johnson gave Huawei the green light to build 35% of Britain's next generation of internet infrastructure, with other conditions that it will be excluded from all safety critical networks and from sensitive geographic locations such as nuclear sites and military bases.
The involvement of the Chinese tech firm in Britain's 5G network is believed to have caused tension between the US and UK in recent months.
A report by GCHQ's National Cyber Security Centre has decided the US sanctions barring Huawei from using technology relying on American intellectual property has had a "severe" impact on the firm.
A number of prominent figures on the Conservative backbenches have also raised concerns.
Critics fear that allowing Huawei to build the network would be handing control of infrastructure to Beijing.
There are also concerns that, with the company's close links to the Chinese government, the equipment could be used for espionage, something the company has always denied.
Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood, the chair of the House of Commons defence committee, told Sky News: "It's very wise of the government to take a stock check as to where we are and who we can trust in the world.
"This is a technical decision; it's about whether we can trust Huawei or indeed other high-risk vendors in the UK.
"But it's also whether, politically, we want to be joining forces with a country that we see perhaps in a very different light after COVID-19, given what they've done in trying to suppress the outbreak originally.
"And what they're doing in Hong Kong, the debt-trap diplomacy that we see around the world with countries getting into financial debt with them, their military actions in the South China Sea.
"Some big questions about China, but ultimately it's also about our own telecoms security."
Former MI6 boss Sir John Sawers, writing in the Financial Times, said: "The last six months have revealed more about China under President Xi Jinping than the previous six years.
"China is overplaying its hand and giving western leaders no option but to stand up to it."
Backing a u-turn on giving Huawei a role in the UK's 5G infrastructure, Sir John pointed to fresh US sanctions as meaning there are "now sound technical reasons for the UK to change January's decision".
Victor Zhang, Huawei's vice-president, said: "We are working closely with our customers to find ways of managing the proposed US restrictions so the UK can maintain its current lead in 5G.
"As ever, we remain open to discussions with the government.
"We believe it is too early to determine the impact of the proposed restrictions, which are not about security, but about market position.
"All our world-leading products and solutions use technology and components over which the UK government has strict oversight.
"Our technology is already extensively used in 5G networks across the country and has helped connect people throughout lockdown."
Swedish telecoms company Ericsson has said it would be capable of replacing all of the Huawei equipment in the UK's 5G network if the British government decides to ban the Chinese company.
In an interview with Sky News last week, the company's president for Europe, Arun Bansal, said Ericsson was not lobbying for its Chinese rival to be banned - but would be capable of meeting the demand if it was.
"Ericsson is not described as a high-risk vendor," Mr Bansal told Sky News.


skynewspolitics--2020-07-05--'Significant concerns' about Leicester clothing factories

There are `` quite significant concerns '' about employment practices within clothing factories in freshly locked-down Leicester , the health secretary has told Sky News .
Matt Hancock warned the government has the power to shut down businesses if they do not follow coronavirus guidelines .
It follows allegations that clothing factories in Leicester , many of whom supply major online retailers , have risked spreading COVID-19 by failing to implement additional hygiene or social distancing measures .
There are also claims that some factories told staff to continue to go into work despite being ill .
In addition , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Police have visited a number of businesses in recent days to investigate allegations of modern slavery and human trafficking .
Leicester has been forced to re-enter a strict lockdown following a spike in the number of local COVID-19 cases .
Mr Hancock , appearing on Sky News ' Sophy Ridge On Sunday show , admitted the government is `` very worried '' about the number of coronavirus infections in the East Midlands city .
`` They are clearly very high , three times higher than the next highest city in terms of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We put more testing in but that does n't account for the increase , the increase is over and above that which would have been accounted for by the increase in testing .
`` We have seen outbreaks in food factories and in clothing factories ; there are some quite significant concerns about some of the employment practices in some of the clothing factories in Leicester .
`` They are important problems to deal with but the number one problem that we 've got to deal with is getting this virus under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who was speaking after what was dubbed `` Super Saturday '' , the biggest easing of lockdown measures yet across the rest of the country , said a `` huge amount of extra resource '' has been deployed to Leicester .
Asked whether the government had been strong enough in taking action against employers who ignore coronavirus guidance , Mr Hancock replied : `` That guidance is statutory guidance , it 's backed up by health and safety legislation and there are very significant fines that can be levied if it 's broken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be able to shut down a business if it does n't follow that guidance . ''
Pressed on whether the government is looking at closing down businesses , Mr Hancock said : `` Yes , and that 's happened , absolutely .
`` Normally that 's happened in consultation with and working with the employer , with the business in question , but we do have that power , absolutely .
`` We 're not just asking nicely , we are very clear to businesses that these are their responsibilities . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker But the health secretary stressed there are `` many steps that you can take before you fully close a factory '' .
The Health and Safety Executive recently wrote to the House of Commons work and pensions committee to reveal it has issued no prohibition notices - which would require an immediate cessation of activity - since the COVID-19 pandemic began .
Instead , it has issued two improvement notices , which give businesses at least 21 days to address a risk identified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had previously incorrectly told MPs it had issued one prohibition notice to a business since the start of the coronavirus crisis .
According to a Sunday Times investigation , one factory in Leicester was operating last week during the localised coronavirus lockdown without additional hygiene or social distancing measures in place .
The newspaper also claimed one of its undercover reporters was told to expect £3.50 an hour in pay , despite it being less than half the minimum wage .

There are "quite significant concerns" about employment practices within clothing factories in freshly locked-down Leicester, the health secretary has told Sky News.
Matt Hancock warned the government has the power to shut down businesses if they do not follow coronavirus guidelines.
It follows allegations that clothing factories in Leicester, many of whom supply major online retailers, have risked spreading COVID-19 by failing to implement additional hygiene or social distancing measures.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:48 Why is Leicester going into lockdown?
There are also claims that some factories told staff to continue to go into work despite being ill.
In addition, specialist National Crime Agency officers and Leicestershire Police have visited a number of businesses in recent days to investigate allegations of modern slavery and human trafficking.
Leicester has been forced to re-enter a strict lockdown following a spike in the number of local COVID-19 cases.
Mr Hancock, appearing on Sky News' Sophy Ridge On Sunday show, admitted the government is "very worried" about the number of coronavirus infections in the East Midlands city.
"They are clearly very high, three times higher than the next highest city in terms of the testing results," he said.
"We put more testing in but that doesn't account for the increase, the increase is over and above that which would have been accounted for by the increase in testing.
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"We have seen outbreaks in food factories and in clothing factories; there are some quite significant concerns about some of the employment practices in some of the clothing factories in Leicester.
"They are important problems to deal with but the number one problem that we've got to deal with is getting this virus under control."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:40 Hancock on Super Saturday: 'I'm pleased with what happened yesterday'
The health secretary, who was speaking after what was dubbed "Super Saturday", the biggest easing of lockdown measures yet across the rest of the country, said a "huge amount of extra resource" has been deployed to Leicester.
Asked whether the government had been strong enough in taking action against employers who ignore coronavirus guidance, Mr Hancock replied: "That guidance is statutory guidance, it's backed up by health and safety legislation and there are very significant fines that can be levied if it's broken.
"We also have the authority to be able to shut down a business if it doesn't follow that guidance."
Pressed on whether the government is looking at closing down businesses, Mr Hancock said: "Yes, and that's happened, absolutely.
"Normally that's happened in consultation with and working with the employer, with the business in question, but we do have that power, absolutely.
"We're not just asking nicely, we are very clear to businesses that these are their responsibilities."
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But the health secretary stressed there are "many steps that you can take before you fully close a factory".
The Health and Safety Executive recently wrote to the House of Commons work and pensions committee to reveal it has issued no prohibition notices - which would require an immediate cessation of activity - since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
Instead, it has issued two improvement notices, which give businesses at least 21 days to address a risk identified by an HSE inspector.
The HSE had previously incorrectly told MPs it had issued one prohibition notice to a business since the start of the coronavirus crisis.
According to a Sunday Times investigation, one factory in Leicester was operating last week during the localised coronavirus lockdown without additional hygiene or social distancing measures in place.
The newspaper also claimed one of its undercover reporters was told to expect £3.50 an hour in pay, despite it being less than half the minimum wage.


skynewspolitics--2020-07-05--27,000 excess deaths likely between now and April as lockdown eased, says ex-govt adviser

A further 27,000 excess deaths are `` likely '' between now and next April under the current approach to tackling the coronavirus pandemic , a former government chief scientific adviser says .
Sir David King , who has been critical of the easing of lockdown measures , told Sky 's Sophy Ridge On Sunday , `` we need to look at the fastest route out of COVID-19 '' and the current one `` is not right '' .
He said it looked as though Downing Street 's policy was to `` maintain '' the current level of about 3,000 new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up on everything that happened in Sophy Ridge On Sunday here Sir David said : `` What we are saying is 27,000 excess deaths are likely between now and next April if the expectation by the chief medical officer is that he would be surprised and delighted if the UK is in the same place next spring .
`` If he 's correct we would still have about 2,000 to 3,000 new infections in England per day and that is the number of deaths that would follow from that . ''
His comments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and hair salons reopened across England on Saturday amid reports of some people apparently flouting social distancing guidelines .
Sir David , who was chief scientific adviser between 2000 and 2007 , is the chairman of Independent SAGE - a rival group that is separate to the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies which advises Downing Street .
He said the rate of new infections is `` almost entirely preventable and absolutely unacceptable and immoral '' and said the group has called for a `` zero COVID UK '' and published a new report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` The quicker we can get down to zero COVID UK the quicker we can get a full economic opening of our economies right across the United Kingdom . ''
Asked how that could be achieved , he suggested pubs should open up areas outdoors for punters where social distancing could be maintained .
`` There are means for achieving these objectives , but we have to be patient , and if we are not patient , it 's not just a second wave , but if it bumps along at 3,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this additional 27,000 deaths .
`` If we want to return to full economic growth as quickly as possible - get rid of the COVID virus . ''
In its report , Independent SAGE analysed the combined data from the government 's daily figures , the Office for National Statistics , Public Health England and the government 's report on NHS Test and Trace .
• We do n't know if declines in positive confirmed cases are because of fewer people getting tested or fewer people having COVID-19 , or a combination of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a steady decline in new infections has stopped • None of the nations mention contact tracing as a key part of their COVID response and only Scotland encourages testing • NHS Test and Trace is not reaching enough newly symptomatic people with COVID-19 • Fewer than half of contacts are reached within three days of a person being tested ( from what data is available ) • Crucial data on how many contacts are actually isolating or go on to develop symptoms is not there When Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's chief medical officer , Professor Chris Whitty , warned they were not `` risk free '' and that he would be `` surprised and delighted '' if the current situation was over by the winter .
Professor Whitty and the chief scientific adviser , Sir Patrick Vallance , both at the time declined to say they personally supported the easing of measures in England .
Sir David said he did n't think there is `` any difference between the scientists on SAGE and Independent SAGE '' .
`` I think the difference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ domain .
You are talking to me and not the chair people of SAGE , precisely because they are not free to come and be cross-examined by the media , '' he told Ridge .
`` Frankly , that is the way to gain the trust of the public in the policies that the government wants to lay down .
The whole issue is extraordinarily challenging .
`` We are not providing an alternative to SAGE , we are providing an independent voice for the public and the government to listen to .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , whenever I could , I was out in the public domain explaining my advice to government , and then explaining that it was government that made the policy and the decisions , '' he added .
The scientific community is split on the government 's reopening of the economy .
Last week , Sir Mark Walport , who was chief scientific adviser between 2013 and 2017 , said he understood the government 's decision to ease lockdown further .
`` The economy is as critical for health as anything else , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a `` fine balancing act all along '' .
`` There are health harms from a damaged economy , from people being out of work , so one has got to balance managing the coronavirus pandemic and controlling it , but also keeping the economy going , '' he said .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Ridge the vast majority of people who went out on Saturday did the right thing , but added : `` Of course we 'll take action when we need to when ... if the minority break the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for instance in Leicester but also in other places that we do n't shirk from bringing in more drastic measures if that is what 's needed to control the virus . ''

A further 27,000 excess deaths are "likely" between now and next April under the current approach to tackling the coronavirus pandemic, a former government chief scientific adviser says.
Sir David King, who has been critical of the easing of lockdown measures, told Sky's Sophy Ridge On Sunday, "we need to look at the fastest route out of COVID-19" and the current one "is not right".
He said it looked as though Downing Street's policy was to "maintain" the current level of about 3,000 new infections per day across England.
Catch up on everything that happened in Sophy Ridge On Sunday here
Sir David said: "What we are saying is 27,000 excess deaths are likely between now and next April if the expectation by the chief medical officer is that he would be surprised and delighted if the UK is in the same place next spring.
"If he's correct we would still have about 2,000 to 3,000 new infections in England per day and that is the number of deaths that would follow from that."
He said the rate of new infections is "almost entirely preventable and absolutely unacceptable and immoral" and said the group has called for a "zero COVID UK" and published a new report on Sunday.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:02 First night out in London since lockdown began
His comments come as pubs, restaurants, cafes and hair salons reopened across England on Saturday amid reports of some people apparently flouting social distancing guidelines.
Sir David, who was chief scientific adviser between 2000 and 2007, is the chairman of Independent SAGE - a rival group that is separate to the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies which advises Downing Street.
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:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
He told Ridge: "The quicker we can get down to zero COVID UK the quicker we can get a full economic opening of our economies right across the United Kingdom."
Asked how that could be achieved, he suggested pubs should open up areas outdoors for punters where social distancing could be maintained.
"There are means for achieving these objectives, but we have to be patient, and if we are not patient, it's not just a second wave, but if it bumps along at 3,000 per day, that is what produces this additional 27,000 deaths.
"If we want to return to full economic growth as quickly as possible - get rid of the COVID virus."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:32 Moving accounts of pandemic from NHS staff
In its report, Independent SAGE analysed the combined data from the government's daily figures, the Office for National Statistics, Public Health England and the government's report on NHS Test and Trace.
The group concluded:
We don't know if declines in positive confirmed cases are because of fewer people getting tested or fewer people having COVID-19, or a combination of both
ONS continues to report that a steady decline in new infections has stopped
None of the nations mention contact tracing as a key part of their COVID response and only Scotland encourages testing
NHS Test and Trace is not reaching enough newly symptomatic people with COVID-19
Fewer than half of contacts are reached within three days of a person being tested (from what data is available)
Crucial data on how many contacts are actually isolating or go on to develop symptoms is not there
When Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the coronavirus lockdown changes from 4 July, England's chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, warned they were not "risk free" and that he would be "surprised and delighted" if the current situation was over by the winter.
Professor Whitty and the chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, both at the time declined to say they personally supported the easing of measures in England.
Sir David said he didn't think there is "any difference between the scientists on SAGE and Independent SAGE".
"I think the difference is that we are in the public domain. You are talking to me and not the chair people of SAGE, precisely because they are not free to come and be cross-examined by the media," he told Ridge.
"Frankly, that is the way to gain the trust of the public in the policies that the government wants to lay down. The whole issue is extraordinarily challenging.
"We are not providing an alternative to SAGE, we are providing an independent voice for the public and the government to listen to.
"When I was chief scientific adviser, whenever I could, I was out in the public domain explaining my advice to government, and then explaining that it was government that made the policy and the decisions," he added.
The scientific community is split on the government's reopening of the economy.
Last week, Sir Mark Walport, who was chief scientific adviser between 2013 and 2017, said he understood the government's decision to ease lockdown further.
"The economy is as critical for health as anything else," he said, adding it's been a "fine balancing act all along".
"There are health harms from a damaged economy, from people being out of work, so one has got to balance managing the coronavirus pandemic and controlling it, but also keeping the economy going," he said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:40 'I'm pleased with what happened yesterday'
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Ridge the vast majority of people who went out on Saturday did the right thing, but added: "Of course we'll take action when we need to when... if the minority break the rules."
"You've seen for instance in Leicester but also in other places that we don't shirk from bringing in more drastic measures if that is what's needed to control the virus."


skynewspolitics--2020-07-04--UK set to phase out Huawei from 5G network in major U-turn

The UK is poised to end the use of Huawei technology in its 5G network as soon as this year over security concerns .
Boris Johnson is set for a major policy change after GCHQ is believed to have reassessed the risks posed by the Chinese company .
The prime minister decided in January to allow Huawei to play a limited role in the UK 's 5G network as he defied security concerns , particularly from the US , about the firm .
But a study set to be presented to Mr Johnson this week will declare that US sanctions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use technology that is `` untrusted '' , reports say .
The news was first reported in the Sunday Telegraph and Sunday Times newspapers - a security source confirmed to Sky News that the reports are `` broadly accurate '' .
Officials are said to be crafting proposals to prevent new Huawei equipment being installed in the 5G network in as little as six months .
Asked about the reports on Sky News ' Sophy Ridge On Sunday show , Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he would n't comment on `` leaks '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I can say though is when we came out with an interim report on this earlier in the year , there were a number of conditions that needed to be met .
`` So I 'm sure that the National Security Council will look at those conditions and make the right decision on this to make sure that we have both a very strong telecoms infrastructure and everyone can get a phone signal .
`` But also that it is secure and that the British government can have confidence that it is secure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Huawei 's head of international media , Paul Harrison , claimed that UK policy is `` being dictated '' by US President Donald Trump 's administration .
In a series of tweets , Mr Harrison claimed that the US was `` fighting to claw back market position '' on 5G from `` global leader '' Huawei .
He added the US had `` consistently failed to provide evidence to back up endless spurious allegations '' .
`` Should n't the US respect a United Kingdom in the post-Brexit era being in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
, '' Mr Harrison asked .
In January , Mr Johnson gave Huawei the green light to build 35 % of Britain 's next generation of internet infrastructure , with other conditions that it will be excluded from all safety critical networks and from sensitive geographic locations such as nuclear sites and military bases .
The involvement of the Chinese tech firm in Britain 's 5G network is believed to have caused tension between the US and UK in recent months .
A report by GCHQ 's National Cyber Security Centre has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ using technology relying on American intellectual property has had a `` severe '' impact on the firm .
A number of prominent figures on the Conservative backbenches have also raised concerns .
Critics fear that allowing Huawei to build the network would be handing control of infrastructure to Beijing .
There are also concerns that , with the company 's close links to the Chinese government , the equipment could be used for espionage , something the company has always denied .
Swedish telecoms company Ericsson has said it would be capable of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK 's 5G network if the British government decides to ban the Chinese company .
In an interview with Sky News last week , the company 's president for Europe , Arun Bansal , said Ericsson was not lobbying for its Chinese rival to be banned - but would be capable of meeting the demand if it was .
`` Ericsson is not described as a high-risk vendor , '' Mr Bansal told Sky News .


skynewspolitics--2020-07-05--£1.57bn lifeline for theatres, museums and galleries - but no plans to resume live shows

A massive £1.57bn coronavirus lifeline for the arts is being promised by the government , but theatres and music venues could still remain closed until next year .
The emergency cash aid , in grants and loans , has been welcomed by leading figures from the arts , but there will be dismay that there are still no plans to resume live performances .
There are fears that many theatres , concert halls and other venues may not reopen until next summer , which would mean them remaining closed through Christmas - with no panto season .
Labour has dismissed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too late '' and a top Tory MP said it would only provide temporary help - and claimed social distancing does not work for theatres and other venues .
Announcing the rescue package , Boris Johnson appeared to acknowledge that the return of many theatre productions , musicals and concerts of all sizes would not be possible in the foreseeable future .
`` From iconic theatre and musicals , mesmerising exhibitions at our world-class galleries to gigs performed in local basement venues , the UK 's cultural industry is the beating heart of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
But he added : `` This money will help safeguard the sector for future generations , ensuring arts groups and venues across the UK can stay afloat and support their staff whilst their doors remain closed and curtains remain down . ''
The government says it is working to get the performing arts back up and running as soon as it is safe to do so and is being guided by medical experts .
Guidance for a phased return will be published shortly .
The £1.57bn lifeline comes after frantic lobbying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Nuffield Theatre in Southampton and even claims that the Royal Albert Hall will go bust without urgent funding .
It is estimated than 350,000 people in the recreation and leisure sector have been furloughed since the pandemic began .
But that scheme is due to end in October .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Under the new scheme , organisations from the performing arts and theatres , heritage , historic palaces , museums , galleries , live music @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apply for emergency grants and loans .
The government claims the money represents the biggest ever one-off investment in UK culture and will help organisations facing closure and bankruptcy stay afloat while their doors are closed .
• A £1.15bn support pot for cultural organisations in England delivered through a mix of grants and loans .
This will be made up of £270m of repayable finance and £880m grants • £100m of targeted support for the national cultural institutions in England and the English Heritage Trust • £120m capital investment to restart construction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ projects in England which was paused due to the coronavirus pandemic • An extra £188m for the devolved administrations in Northern Ireland ( £33m ) , Scotland ( £97m ) and Wales ( £59m ) .
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said : `` I understand the grave challenges the arts face and we must protect and preserve all we can for future generations .
I said we would not let the arts down , and this massive investment shows our level of commitment . ''
But Labour 's shadow culture secretary Jo Stevens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announcement of a much-needed injection of cash into the sector , for many this is too little too late .
`` The government needs to ensure that this vital funding gets to those theatres and other organisations currently teetering on the brink and fast - especially those across the towns and small cities where live performance venues and other arts organisations are so valuable to local economies providing many interdependent jobs , particularly in hospitality . ''
Tory MP Julian Knight , who chairs the Culture Select Committee , said : `` This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some of our major cultural institutions from going under .
`` This money is welcome and should take some out of the danger zone , if only temporarily .
But to secure their long-term future there needs to be a targeted sector deal , possibly involving more generous tax breaks .
`` We know that one-metre social distancing does n't work economically for most theatres and venues in the UK .
We ultimately need to have a means by which these organisations can open safely and gain the confidence of the public .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the government aid from leading figures in the arts world , however .
National Theatre director Rufus Norris said theatre companies across the country `` stand ready to respond with creativity and commitment , and to reopen as soon as is safe '' .
`` We feel very positive that this major investment will reach and sustain the vital talent and infrastructure - both organisations and freelancers - which make British theatre truly world-leading , '' he added .
Composer and impresario Andrew Lloyd Webber , whose musicals have run for decades @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` This news is truly welcome at a time when so many theatres , orchestras , entertainment venues and other arts organisations face such a bleak future . ''
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Playwright James Graham , author of top West End , TV and film hits , said : `` In normal times , we are a profitable and world-beating industry , and we can be again .
`` The scale and the ambition of this package is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a huge relief to the hundreds of thousands of skilled workers , not to mention millions of audience members , who want to be able to get British culture back up and thriving as soon as it is safe to do so . ''
And Sir Nicholas Serota , chairman of Arts Council England , said : `` I know our amazing artists and creative organisations will repay the faith that the government has shown by demonstrating the range of their creativity , by serving their communities and by helping the nation recover @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Nickie Aiken , Conservative MP for Cities of London and Westminster including the West End , said : `` COVID has thrown our theatres , arts and cultural venues into a perilous position and 70 % were expected to run out of cash by the end of the year .
`` If these venues collapse , so do the local pubs , bars , hotels and restaurants that rely on them .
For every pound spent at the theatre , a further £5 is spent in the local economy . ''

A massive £1.57bn coronavirus lifeline for the arts is being promised by the government, but theatres and music venues could still remain closed until next year.
The emergency cash aid, in grants and loans, has been welcomed by leading figures from the arts, but there will be dismay that there are still no plans to resume live performances.
There are fears that many theatres, concert halls and other venues may not reopen until next summer, which would mean them remaining closed through Christmas - with no panto season.
Image: UK culture has largely been confined to the internet - like this Take That show - since lockdown started in March
Labour has dismissed the handout as "too little, too late" and a top Tory MP said it would only provide temporary help - and claimed social distancing does not work for theatres and other venues.
Announcing the rescue package, Boris Johnson appeared to acknowledge that the return of many theatre productions, musicals and concerts of all sizes would not be possible in the foreseeable future.
"From iconic theatre and musicals, mesmerising exhibitions at our world-class galleries to gigs performed in local basement venues, the UK's cultural industry is the beating heart of this country," the prime minister said.
Image: Visitors at the National Portrait Gallery in London will be asked to wear face masks and socially distance when it reopens on 8 July
But he added: "This money will help safeguard the sector for future generations, ensuring arts groups and venues across the UK can stay afloat and support their staff whilst their doors remain closed and curtains remain down."
The government says it is working to get the performing arts back up and running as soon as it is safe to do so and is being guided by medical experts. Guidance for a phased return will be published shortly.
The £1.57bn lifeline comes after frantic lobbying by the arts world, the closure of the Nuffield Theatre in Southampton and even claims that the Royal Albert Hall will go bust without urgent funding.
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It is estimated that 350,000 people in the recreation and leisure sector have been furloughed since the pandemic began. But that scheme is due to end in October.
:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Under the new scheme, organisations from the performing arts and theatres, heritage, historic palaces, museums, galleries, live music and independent cinema will be able to apply for emergency grants and loans.
The government claims the money represents the biggest ever one-off investment in UK culture and will help organisations facing closure and bankruptcy stay afloat while their doors are closed.
The package includes:
• A £1.15bn support pot for cultural organisations in England delivered through a mix of grants and loans. This will be made up of £270m of repayable finance and £880m grants
• £100m of targeted support for the national cultural institutions in England and the English Heritage Trust
• £120m capital investment to restart construction on cultural infrastructure and for heritage construction projects in England which was paused due to the coronavirus pandemic
• An extra £188m for the devolved administrations in Northern Ireland (£33m), Scotland (£97m) and Wales (£59m).
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said outdoor performances will be allowed "very soon" but only with performers and spectators social distancing.
Cutting that requirement is still "some way off", he told Sky News' Kay Burley@Breakfast.
And he hinted there might be no panto season in time for Christmas, admitting he "would love" to see the traditional plays go ahead but that "I don't want to raise expectations".
But Labour's shadow culture secretary Jo Stevens said: "Whilst we welcome the announcement of a much-needed injection of cash into the sector, for many this is too little too late.
"The government needs to ensure that this vital funding gets to those theatres and other organisations currently teetering on the brink and fast - especially those across the towns and small cities where live performance venues and other arts organisations are so valuable to local economies providing many interdependent jobs, particularly in hospitality."
Tory MP Julian Knight, who chairs the Culture Select Committee, said: "This is the first step to help prevent some of our major cultural institutions from going under.
"This money is welcome and should take some out of the danger zone, if only temporarily. But to secure their long-term future there needs to be a targeted sector deal, possibly involving more generous tax breaks.
"We know that one-metre social distancing doesn't work economically for most theatres and venues in the UK. We ultimately need to have a means by which these organisations can open safely and gain the confidence of the public."
Image: A sign alerts people to the closure of the Alexandra Palace, in London, which has been shut since March
There has been a warm welcome for the government aid from leading figures in the arts world, however.
National Theatre director Rufus Norris said theatre companies across the country "stand ready to respond with creativity and commitment, and to reopen as soon as is safe".
"We feel very positive that this major investment will reach and sustain the vital talent and infrastructure - both organisations and freelancers - which make British theatre truly world-leading," he added.
Composer and impresario Andrew Lloyd Webber, whose musicals have run for decades in London's West End, said: "This news is truly welcome at a time when so many theatres, orchestras, entertainment venues and other arts organisations face such a bleak future."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Playwright James Graham, author of top West End, TV and film hits, said: "In normal times, we are a profitable and world-beating industry, and we can be again.
"The scale and the ambition of this package is incredibly welcome and I have to say a huge relief to the hundreds of thousands of skilled workers, not to mention millions of audience members, who want to be able to get British culture back up and thriving as soon as it is safe to do so."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:47 National gallery director on 'seeing something beautiful' once more
And Sir Nicholas Serota, chairman of Arts Council England, said: "I know our amazing artists and creative organisations will repay the faith that the government has shown by demonstrating the range of their creativity, by serving their communities and by helping the nation recover as we emerge from the pandemic."
Nickie Aiken, Conservative MP for Cities of London and Westminster including the West End, said: "COVID has thrown our theatres, arts and cultural venues into a perilous position and 70% were expected to run out of cash by the end of the year.
"If these venues collapse, so do the local pubs, bars, hotels and restaurants that rely on them. For every pound spent at the theatre, a further £5 is spent in the local economy."


skynewspolitics--2020-07-05--Companies to be paid £1,000 bonuses to hire young people

Companies will be paid £1,000 bonuses by the government to hire young people as trainees , the chancellor will announce as part of his rescue plan for Britain 's post-coronavirus economic recovery .
In a hotly-anticipated `` emergency Budget '' on Wednesday , Rishi Sunak will unveil a raft of big-spending measures aimed at creating thousands of jobs to replace those lost during the COVID-19 pandemic .
The bonuses for employers who hire young people into training programmes will come in a £111m scheme which will pay direct government subsidies for taking on trainees for the first time .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 16 to 24 and will be capped at 10 jobs per employer , or £10,000 .
Employers will be able to determine how to spend the £1,000 , as long as it directly or indirectly contributes to training .
The scheme , in which thousands of young people will be given the skills to secure a job , will be part of the largest-ever expansion of traineeships the country has ever seen , the chancellor is expected to tell MPs on Wednesday .
Unveiling his plan to help kick-start the economy , following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Deal '' speech last week , Mr Sunak will say he aims to give more 16 to 24-year-olds `` the tools they need to enter the world of work '' .
The government is concerned that many of the people who have lost their jobs during the pandemic are in industries such as hospitality where the bulk of employees are under 30 and many under 25 .
The chancellor 's statement this week is not officially a budget and there will not be the photo outside 11 Downing Street with the famous red @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response to huge job losses and dire forecasts of mass unemployment .
As part of the new traineeships , which will last from six weeks to six months , young people will receive maths , English and CV writing training as well as guidance about what to expect in the workplace .
They will also receive a high-quality work placement of 60 to 90 hours .
Evidence shows that three-quarters of 18 to 24-year-olds who complete traineeships move on to employment or further study within 12 months .
The expanded scheme will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The government will also provide £21m to the devolved administrations in Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland through the Barnett formula so they can follow suit .
A Whitehall source said : `` Young people 's employment prospects are expected to be disproportionately affected by the economic fallout of coronavirus . ''
`` Expanding traineeships will be part of a wider package to support young people and to ensure they have the skills and training to go on to high quality , secure and fulfilling employment . ''
But according to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the PM 's promise to `` build , build , build '' the UK back to economic health will not work unless urgent action is taken to avert a crisis in skills and apprenticeships .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Unite claims a lethal combination of employers ' long-standing reluctance to invest in apprentices , widespread redundancies because of the pandemic , and a reluctance to recruit new entrants is likely to result in 20,000 fewer apprentices this autumn , vastly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
`` The prime minister 's pledge to 'build , build , build ' the country 's way out of this pandemic-caused crisis wo n't get very far without a workforce , '' said Unite 's assistant general secretary Gail Cartmail .
`` Construction apprenticeship training is in danger of collapsing as an after-effect of the pandemic , which is why we 're calling on the chancellor to make it clear when he announces his plans for recovering the economy this coming week that our young workers will be given a chance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms Cartmail added .
`` At the moment , for every one good quality apprenticeship , there are one thousand applicants .
Young workers have to scale this huge mountain so it is only right that they have the chance to complete their apprenticeship and have a job at the end of their training . ''

Companies will be paid £1,000 bonuses by the government to hire young people as trainees, the chancellor will announce as part of his rescue plan for Britain's post-coronavirus economic recovery.
In a hotly anticipated "emergency budget" on Wednesday, Rishi Sunak will unveil a raft of big-spending measures aimed at creating thousands of jobs to replace those lost during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The bonuses for employers who hire young people into training programmes in England will come in a £111m scheme which will pay direct government subsidies for taking on trainees for the first time.
Image: Chancellor Rishi Sunak will unveil a raft of big-spending measures on Wednesday
The money will be available for trainees aged 16 to 24 and will be capped at 10 jobs per employer, or £10,000.
Employers will be able to determine how to spend the £1,000, as long as it directly or indirectly contributes to training.
The scheme, in which thousands of young people will be given the skills to secure a job, will be part of the largest-ever expansion of traineeships the country has ever seen, the chancellor is expected to tell MPs on Wednesday.
Unveiling his plan to help kick-start the economy, following on from Boris Johnson's "New Deal" speech last week, Mr Sunak will say he aims to give more 16 to 24-year-olds "the tools they need to enter the world of work".
The government is concerned that many of the people who have lost their jobs during the pandemic are in industries such as hospitality where the bulk of employees are under 30 and many under 25.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:44 Is £5bn enough to save the economy?
The chancellor's statement this week is not officially a budget and there will not be the photo outside 11 Downing Street with the famous red box, but it will be a response to huge job losses and dire forecasts of mass unemployment.
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As part of the new traineeships, which will last from six weeks to six months, young people will receive maths, English and CV writing training as well as guidance about what to expect in the workplace.
They will also receive a high-quality work placement of 60 to 90 hours.
Evidence shows that three-quarters of 18 to 24-year-olds who complete traineeships move on to employment or further study within 12 months.
The expanded scheme will be in place in England from September.
The government will also provide £21m to the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland through the Barnett formula so they can follow suit.
A Whitehall source said: "Young people's employment prospects are expected to be disproportionately affected by the economic fallout of coronavirus.
"Expanding traineeships will be part of a wider package to support young people and to ensure they have the skills and training to go on to high quality, secure and fulfilling employment."
But according to the UK's biggest construction trade union, the PM's promise to "build, build, build" the UK back to economic health will not work unless urgent action is taken to avert a crisis in skills and apprenticeships.
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Unite claims a lethal combination of employers' long-standing reluctance to invest in apprentices, widespread redundancies because of the pandemic, and a reluctance to recruit new entrants is likely to result in 20,000 fewer apprentices this autumn, vastly down from the 47,284 in England last year.
"The prime minister's pledge to 'build, build, build' the country's way out of this pandemic-caused crisis won't get very far without a workforce," said Unite's assistant general secretary Gail Cartmail.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 10:30 Hancock: 'We have to build our way out'
"Construction apprenticeship training is in danger of collapsing as an after effect of the pandemic, which is why we're calling on the chancellor to make it clear when he announces his plans for recovering the economy this coming week that our young workers will be given a chance of a career in construction," Ms Cartmail added.
"At the moment, for every one good quality apprenticeship, there are 1,000 applicants. Young workers have to scale this huge mountain so it is only right that they have the chance to complete their apprenticeship and have a job at the end of their training."


skynewspolitics--2020-07-05--Another 27,000 excess deaths 'likely' if government continues on this path, warns top scientist

A further 27,000 excess deaths are `` likely '' between now and next April under the current approach to tackling the coronavirus pandemic , a former government chief scientific adviser says .
Sir David King , who has been critical of the easing of lockdown measures , told Sky 's Sophy Ridge On Sunday , `` we need to look at the fastest route out of COVID-19 '' and the current one `` is not right '' .
He said it looked as though Downing Street 's policy was to `` maintain '' the current level of about 3,000 new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up on everything that happened in Sophy Ridge On Sunday here Sir David said : `` What we are saying is 27,000 excess deaths are likely between now and next April if the expectation by the chief medical officer is that he would be surprised and delighted if the UK is in the same place next spring .
`` If he 's correct we would still have about 2,000 to 3,000 new infections in England per day and that is the number of deaths that would follow from that . ''
He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ almost entirely preventable and absolutely unacceptable and immoral '' and said the group has called for a `` zero COVID UK '' and published a new report on Sunday .
His comments come as pubs , restaurants , cafes and hair salons reopened across England on Saturday amid reports of some people apparently flouting social distancing guidelines .
Sir David , who was chief scientific adviser between 2000 and 2007 , is the chairman of Independent SAGE - a rival group that is separate to the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies which advises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He told Ridge : `` The quicker we can get down to zero COVID UK the quicker we can get a full economic opening of our economies right across the United Kingdom . ''
Asked how that could be achieved , he suggested pubs should open up areas outdoors for punters where social distancing could be maintained .
`` There are means for achieving these objectives , but we have to be patient , and if we are not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second wave , but if it bumps along at 3,000 per day , that is what produces this additional 27,000 deaths .
`` If we want to return to full economic growth as quickly as possible - get rid of the COVID virus . ''
In its report , Independent SAGE analysed the combined data from the government 's daily figures , the Office for National Statistics , Public Health England and the government 's report on NHS Test and Trace .
• We do n't know if declines in positive confirmed cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or fewer people having COVID-19 , or a combination of both • ONS continues to report that a steady decline in new infections has stopped • None of the nations mention contact tracing as a key part of their COVID response and only Scotland encourages testing • NHS Test and Trace is not reaching enough newly symptomatic people with COVID-19 • Fewer than half of contacts are reached within three days of a person being tested ( from what data is available ) • Crucial data on how many contacts are actually isolating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not there When Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the coronavirus lockdown changes from 4 July , England 's chief medical officer , Professor Chris Whitty , warned they were not `` risk free '' and that he would be `` surprised and delighted '' if the current situation was over by the winter .
Professor Whitty and the chief scientific adviser , Sir Patrick Vallance , both at the time declined to say they personally supported the easing of measures in England .
Sir David said he did n't think there is `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Independent SAGE '' .
`` I think the difference is that we are in the public domain .
You are talking to me and not the chair people of SAGE , precisely because they are not free to come and be cross-examined by the media , '' he told Ridge .
`` Frankly , that is the way to gain the trust of the public in the policies that the government wants to lay down .
The whole issue is extraordinarily challenging .
`` We are not providing an alternative to SAGE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the public and the government to listen to .
`` When I was chief scientific adviser , whenever I could , I was out in the public domain explaining my advice to government , and then explaining that it was government that made the policy and the decisions , '' he added .
The scientific community is split on the government 's reopening of the economy .
Last week , Sir Mark Walport , who was chief scientific adviser between 2013 and 2017 , said he understood the government 's decision to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is as critical for health as anything else , '' he said , adding it 's been a `` fine balancing act all along '' .
`` There are health harms from a damaged economy , from people being out of work , so one has got to balance managing the coronavirus pandemic and controlling it , but also keeping the economy going , '' he said .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Ridge the vast majority of people who went out on Saturday did the right thing , but added : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we need to when ... if the minority break the rules . ''
`` You 've seen for instance in Leicester but also in other places that we do n't shirk from bringing in more drastic measures if that is what 's needed to control the virus . ''


skynewspolitics--2020-07-05--Five things we learnt from this week's Sophy Ridge On Sunday

A day after coronavirus lockdown restrictions were eased in England , how should the government respond to the economic crisis ?
And could the UK do business with Kanye West in the White House ?
Here are five things we learnt from this week 's Sophy Ridge On Sunday : After the success of the government 's three-word slogans ( you may remember `` Get Brexit Done '' ) , Matt Hancock offered up a new one as he urged the country to `` enjoy summer safely '' - with the emphasis on `` enjoy '' and `` safely '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Soho on Saturday night may be causing some anxiety , but he insisted `` overall I 'm pleased with what happened yesterday , it was really good to see people out and about '' .
2 .
What 's behind the first local lockdown ?
While the rest of the country emerges from lockdown , Leicester has stayed put since an announcement on Monday .
It has the highest rate of coronavirus infections in the country , with cases largely of working-age adults and linked to the city 's industry .
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quite significant concerns '' about working practices in clothing factories .
The health secretary said businesses breaking the rules could be shut down under health and safety legislation , adding `` we 're not just asking nicely '' .
Sir David King told Sophy Ridge the UK faced 27,000 more excess deaths between now and April next year `` if the UK is in the same place next spring '' .
The former government chief scientific adviser called the potential excess deaths `` entirely preventable and absolutely unacceptable '' .
Sir David , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group offering competing health advice to the government 's official advisers , argued the UK should be aiming for the complete elimination of COVID-19 nationwide .
The government needs to offer `` strong support '' to the sectors hit hardest by the economic crisis that has accompanied the pandemic , according to Labour 's shadow chancellor , Anneliese Dodds .
She suggested that targeted measures could mean `` we wo n't see the kind of mass unemployment that is threatening our country currently '' .
`` I really say to the chancellor , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ let 's have an approach which reflects the fact that this is an economic crisis which is affecting sectors differently , '' Ms Dodds said .
The shadow chancellor backed a wealth tax to provide new public funds earlier this week - but refused three times to say what assets she 'd like to see taxed at a higher rate .
Prospective newlyweds might find it a little harder to tie the knot at historic wedding site Gretna Green , after SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford raised the spectre of a hard border @ @ @ @ @ @ @ success in cutting cases of coronavirus meant it needed `` to look at those coming in here and the kind of risks that are there '' , and consider taking `` appropriate measures '' .
The suggestion comes after Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon attacked the wider UK government 's `` shambolic '' decision-making on relaxing travel policies .
And a bonus this week - could we do business with President Ye ?
It appears we 've learned to take American stars with an eye on politics seriously , as Mr Hancock said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the White House - even Kanye West .
The Trump-backing rapper has announced his bid for president on Twitter , and was instantly backed by billionaire industrialist Elon Musk .
Despite a promise of absolute support for `` our relationship with America '' from the health secretary , whoever the occupant of the Oval Office is , President Kanye is an unlikely prospect .
Deadlines for getting on the ballot for 2020 have already passed for some US states , while for others West would have to muster hundreds of thousands of signatures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's always 2024 .

A day after coronavirus lockdown restrictions were eased in England, how should the government respond to the economic crisis? And could the UK do business with Kanye West in the White House?
Here are five things we learnt from this week's Sophy Ridge On Sunday:
1. 'Enjoy summer safely'
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:27 'People have acted responsibly'
After the success of the government's three-word slogans (you may remember "Get Brexit Done"), Matt Hancock offered up a new one as he urged the country to "enjoy summer safely" - with the emphasis on "enjoy" and "safely".
Crowded scenes in places like London's Soho on Saturday night may be causing some anxiety, but he insisted "overall I'm pleased with what happened yesterday, it was really good to see people out and about".
2. What's behind the first local lockdown?
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:25 'Concerns' over Leicester factories
While the rest of the country emerges from lockdown, Leicester has stayed put since an announcement on Monday.
It has the highest rate of coronavirus infections in the country, with cases largely of working-age adults and linked to the city's industry.
Mr Hancock told the programme he had "quite significant concerns" about working practices in clothing factories.
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The health secretary said businesses breaking the rules could be shut down under health and safety legislation, adding "we're not just asking nicely".
3. 27,000 excess deaths by April 2021
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:27 '27,000 deaths expected' by next April
Sir David King told Sophy Ridge the UK faced 27,000 more excess deaths between now and April next year "if the UK is in the same place next spring".
The former government chief scientific adviser called the potential excess deaths "entirely preventable and absolutely unacceptable".
Sir David, who chairs the "independent SAGE" group offering competing health advice to the government's official advisers, argued the UK should be aiming for the complete elimination of COVID-19 nationwide.
4. Labour calls for end to "one-size-fits-all" approach
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:26 'Abandon one-size-fits-all approach'
The government needs to offer "strong support" to the sectors hit hardest by the economic crisis that has accompanied the pandemic, according to Labour's shadow chancellor, Anneliese Dodds.
She suggested that targeted measures could mean "we won't see the kind of mass unemployment that is threatening our country currently".
"I really say to the chancellor, look, abandon that one-size-fits-all approach, let's have an approach which reflects the fact that this is an economic crisis which is affecting sectors differently," Ms Dodds said.
The shadow chancellor backed a wealth tax to provide new public funds earlier this week - but refused three times to say what assets she'd like to see taxed at a higher rate.
5. A new hard border - with Scotland?
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:25 'Frustration' over four-nation approach
Prospective newlyweds might find it a little harder to tie the knot at historic wedding site Gretna Green, after SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford raised the spectre of a hard border between England and Scotland.
Scotland's success in cutting cases of coronavirus meant it needed "to look at those coming in here and the kind of risks that are there", and consider taking "appropriate measures".
The suggestion comes after Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon attacked the wider UK government's "shambolic" decision-making on relaxing travel policies.
And a bonus this week - could we do business with President Ye?
Image: Kanye West has announced he is running for US president
It appears we've learned to take American stars with an eye on politics seriously, as Mr Hancock said the UK would work with whoever occupies the White House - even Kanye West.
The Trump-backing rapper has announced his bid for president on Twitter, and was instantly backed by billionaire industrialist Elon Musk.
Despite a promise of absolute support for "our relationship with America" from the health secretary, whoever the occupant of the Oval Office is, President Kanye is an unlikely prospect.
Deadlines for getting on the ballot for 2020 have already passed for some US states, while for others West would have to muster hundreds of thousands of signatures in record time.
Still, there's always 2024.


skynewspolitics--2020-07-06--Sir Keir Starmer vows to take unconscious bias training after calling BLM protests a 'moment'

Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to take unconscious bias training after critics claimed he devalued the Black Lives Matter protests by calling them a `` moment '' .
The Labour leader was challenged by Sharon , a black party member who called into a radio show to accuse him of `` unconscious dismissive language and attitudes '' that `` feed into structural racism and unchallenged pervading elements of society '' .
Last week , Sir Keir had described calls from some activists to defund the police as `` nonsense '' and added : `` The Black Lives Matter movement , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is about reflecting something completely different . ''
Sir Keir , a former director of public prosecutions , explained later he meant to say the rallies were `` a defining moment and turning point '' .
He told LBC on Monday : `` I have to admit that if I 'd actually put 'defining ' into the 'moment ' it might have been a lot easier , but that 's what I meant . ''
Challenged by Sharon to undertake unconscious bias training , Sir Keir said it was being introduced for all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I am going to lead from the top on this and do that training first . ''
Sir Keir , who has previously got down on one knee to symbolise solidarity with the fight against racial injustice , said he planned to do the three-hour course `` as soon as I can book in for it '' .
Asked if he needed it , he continued : `` I think everybody should have unconscious bias training , I think it is important .
`` There is always the risk of unconscious bias and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to other people and not me ' is not the right thing to do , so I am going to lead from the front on this and do the training . ''
Sharon said after `` I absolutely applaud that and that was really what I was looking for - everyone should look into that '' .
Sir Keir 's approach is in slight contrast to senior Conservatives , including Boris Johnson .
When asked if he would follow the approach of sporting stars by getting on one knee in the wake of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the US , the prime minister said : `` I do n't believe in gestures . ''
Mr Johnson added that `` of course there are injustices that we need to rectify '' and has pledged to set up a cross-government commission to tackle racism .

Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to take unconscious bias training after critics claimed he devalued the Black Lives Matter protests by calling them a "moment".
The Labour leader was challenged by Sharon, a black party member who called into a radio show to accuse him of "unconscious dismissive language and attitudes" that "feed into structural racism and unchallenged pervading elements of society".
Last week, Sir Keir had described calls from some activists to defund the police as "nonsense" and added: "The Black Lives Matter movement, or moment if you like, internationally is about reflecting something completely different."
Image: Protests sprung up in the wake of the killing of an unarmed black man in the US
Sir Keir, a former director of public prosecutions, explained later he meant to say the rallies were "a defining moment and turning point".
He told LBC on Monday: "I have to admit that if I'd actually put 'defining' into the 'moment' it might have been a lot easier, but that's what I meant."
Challenged by Sharon to undertake unconscious bias training, Sir Keir said it was being introduced for all staff.
But he added: "I am going to lead from the top on this and do that training first."
Sir Keir, who has previously got down on one knee to symbolise solidarity with the fight against racial injustice, said he planned to do the three-hour course "as soon as I can book in for it".
Image: Sir Keir has previously 'taken a knee'
Asked if he needed it, he continued: "I think everybody should have unconscious bias training, I think it is important.
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"There is always the risk of unconscious bias and just saying 'oh well it only applies to other people and not me' is not the right thing to do, so I am going to lead from the front on this and do the training."
Sharon said after "I absolutely applaud that and that was really what I was looking for - everyone should look into that".
Sir Keir's approach is in slight contrast to senior Conservatives, including Boris Johnson.
When asked if he would follow the approach of sporting stars by getting on one knee in the wake of unarmed black man George Floyd's death in the US, the prime minister said: "I don't believe in gestures."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:53 Raab defends stance against 'taking the knee'
Mr Johnson added that "of course there are injustices that we need to rectify" and has pledged to set up a cross-government commission to tackle racism.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab also called taking a knee a "symbol of subjugation".