skynewspolitics--2020-08-11--Drive-through flu vaccination centres considered in bid to take pressure off NHS

The government is considering setting up drive-through flu vaccination centres as part of plans to double the number of people who have the jab , a minister has confirmed .
Health minister Edward Argar said the idea is `` one of the things that we are looking at '' .
According to The Times , those eligible will be asked to get their vaccination in GPs ' car parks as part of an effort to take pressure off the NHS this winter .
The centres will be modelled on the drive-through coronavirus testing units , according to the newspaper , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deploy staff to the kerbside so people can get the jab without having to leave their vehicles .
Speaking to Kay Burley @ Breakfast , Mr Argar said : `` What we 're keen to do here is make sure as many people as they can get that flu vaccination .
`` It works , it 's effective .
It reduces the risk of people getting the flu and therefore becoming ill. '' Everything we can do to increase capacity in the NHS this winter and reduce the demand through things like the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Argar said the government wanted to `` future-proof '' the health system .
`` The NHS coped incredibly well during COVID , in terms of always having the capacity to meet the needs of patients for treatment , '' he added .
`` We want to make sure that during the winter that excess capacity is also there to make sure that everyone who needs treatment in the emergency department can get it . ''
Boris Johnson announced an expansion of the winter flu vaccination programme last month .
There will be free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11-year-olds .
This is on top of at-risk groups such as people with asthma , heart disease and diabetes , and anyone living with somebody on the COVID-19 shielded list .
Mr Johnson said getting the jab is something that can help to `` protect the NHS '' , adding he wants `` everybody '' to get the jab .

The government is considering setting up drive-through flu vaccination centres as part of plans to double the number of people who have the jab, a minister has confirmed.
Health minister Edward Argar said the idea is "one of the things that we are looking at".
According to The Times, those eligible will be asked to get their vaccination in GPs' car parks as part of an effort to take pressure off the NHS this winter.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:28 Boris Johnson: 'Anti-vaxxers are nuts'
The centres will be modelled on the drive-through coronavirus testing units, according to the newspaper, with surgeries set to be asked to deploy staff to the kerbside so people can get the jab without having to leave their vehicles.
Speaking to Kay Burley@Breakfast, Mr Argar said: "What we're keen to do here is make sure as many people as they can get that flu vaccination.
"It works, it's effective. It reduces the risk of people getting the flu and therefore becoming ill.
"Everything we can do to increase capacity in the NHS this winter and reduce the demand through things like the flu vaccine are important."
Mr Argar said the government wanted to "future-proof" the health system.
"The NHS coped incredibly well during COVID, in terms of always having the capacity to meet the needs of patients for treatment," he added.
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Image: The centres will reportedly be modelled on the drive-through coronavirus testing units
"We want to make sure that during the winter that excess capacity is also there to make sure that everyone who needs treatment in the emergency department can get it."
Boris Johnson announced an expansion of the winter flu vaccination programme last month.
There will be free vaccinations for those aged over 50 and 11-year-olds.
This is on top of at-risk groups such as people with asthma, heart disease and diabetes, and anyone living with somebody on the COVID-19 shielded list.
Mr Johnson said getting the jab is something that can help to "protect the NHS", adding he wants "everybody" to get the jab.


skynewspolitics--2020-08-11--A-level students in England can use mock results to get into university

A-level students in England will be able to use grades in mock exams to progress to university and college courses and employment , the education secretary is set to announce .
The change forms part of what Gavin Williamson has called a `` triple lock '' to give students confidence in the moderation system , which can see predicted results set by teachers downgraded based on a school 's previous record .
It comes as unions called on the government to follow Scotland 's lead in scrapping moderated grades after the downgrading of more than 124,000 results was reversed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a moderated results process , Mr Williamson said : `` Every young person waiting for their results wants to know they have been treated fairly .
`` By ensuring students have the safety net of their mock results , as well as the chance of sitting autumn exams , we are creating a triple lock process to ensure they can have the confidence to take the next step forward in work or education . ''
Ministers are expected to pledge a further £30m to help schools provide autumn exams to those students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the government must take steps to make the system fairer .
He has called for statutory guidance to require colleges and universities to show greater flexibility in admissions and wants ministers to prevent GCSE maths and English results being downgraded below the lowest pass grade .
`` Pupils and parents are rightly worried that years of hard work are about to be undone because a computer has decided to mark their child down , '' he said .
`` The SNP have been forced into a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
With 24 hours before results are released , I would urge the prime minister to change course , or he risks robbing a generation of their future . ''
The Association of School and College Leaders ( ASCL ) also criticised the government 's announcement on mock exam results , suggesting schools `` might as well not have bothered '' making predicted grades .
`` The idea of introducing , at the eleventh hour , a system in which mock exam results trump calculated grades beggars belief , '' said Geoff Barton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The government does n't appear to understand how mock exams work .
`` They are n't a set of exams which all conform to the same standards .
The clue is in the name 'mock ' .
And some students will not have taken them by the time that schools were closed in March .
So , this immediately creates the potential for massive inconsistency . ''
Some unions have gone further , with both the National Union of Students ( NUS ) and the University and College Union ( UCU ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grades altogether .
Outcry over the moderation process for higher qualifications in Scotland resulted in a U-turn on Monday and an apology from the Scottish education secretary .
The SNP 's John Swinney said more than 100,000 moderated grades would be restored to the level originally set by teachers .
With exams unable to take place due to the coronavirus lockdown , 250,000 students will receive results on Thursday based on predictions set by teachers .
But those predictions will be subject to moderation by exam boards who will attempt to ensure results @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adjusting the grades based on a school 's previous results .
The Welsh exams regulator , Qualifications Wales , has indicated it will also stick with a moderated results process , rather than follow the example of the Scottish government .
Robert Halfon , the Conservative chair of the Education Select Committee , told Sky News the government must ensure the appeals process is effective .
`` It is right that teachers grade the exams and that there is a check and balance system from Ofqual , but what we have to ensure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the model that Ofqual is using is fair and does n't hurt those from disadvantaged backgrounds , '' he said .
`` We also have to make sure we have an appeals system that is second to none .
Students should be able to appeal if they feel their grades are unfair , providing it is signed off by the headteacher . ''

A-level students in England will be able to use grades in mock exams to progress to university and college courses and employment, the education secretary has announced.
The change forms part of what Gavin Williamson has called a "triple lock" to give students confidence in the moderation system, which can see predicted results set by teachers downgraded based on a school's previous record.
It comes as unions called on the government to follow Scotland's lead in scrapping moderated grades after the downgrading of more than 124,000 results was reversed.
Image: Outcry over the moderation process for higher qualifications in Scotland resulted in a U-turn
Setting out the decision to press ahead with a moderated results process, Mr Williamson said: "Every young person waiting for their results wants to know they have been treated fairly.
"By ensuring students have the safety net of their mock results, as well as the chance of sitting autumn exams, we are creating a triple lock process to ensure they can have the confidence to take the next step forward in work or education."
Schools minister Nick Gibb defended the change, telling Sky News the calculated grades system is "fair" and "youngsters tomorrow getting their results can be confident in those results".
Speaking to Kay Burley@Breakfast, he added: "It is just making sure at the edges that no student is disadvantaged.
"This is just to give a safety net for any student who might fall through the system.
"It will only affect a small group of people. Most young people tomorrow will get the grade that the teacher sent in to the exam board that they thought they would get."
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:27 Schools minister 'confident' in grading system
Ministers are expected to pledge a further £30m to help schools provide autumn exams to those students who wish to take them.
However, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the government must take steps to make the system fairer.
He has called for statutory guidance to require colleges and universities to show greater flexibility in admissions and wants ministers to prevent GCSE maths and English results being downgraded below the lowest pass grade.
"Pupils and parents are rightly worried that years of hard work are about to be undone because a computer has decided to mark their child down," he said.
"The SNP have been forced into a humiliating U-turn after a shambolic few days. With 24 hours before results are released, I would urge the prime minister to change course, or he risks robbing a generation of their future."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:38 Nicola Sturgeon apologises to students
Shadow education secretary Kate Green told Sky News the announcement was "papering over the cracks of a system that really is in chaos".
"It's terribly worrying and unfair to students to be put in this position just before the results are issued," she said.
The Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) also criticised the government's announcement on mock exam results, suggesting schools "might as well not have bothered" making predicted grades.
"The idea of introducing, at the eleventh hour, a system in which mock exam results trump calculated grades beggars belief," said Geoff Barton, general secretary of the ASCL.
"The government doesn't appear to understand how mock exams work.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:17 PM 'has no doubt' schools will be safe
"They aren't a set of exams which all conform to the same standards.
"The clue is in the name 'mock'. And some students will not have taken them by the time that schools were closed in March. So, this immediately creates the potential for massive inconsistency."
Some unions have gone further, with both the National Union of Students (NUS) and the University and College Union (UCU) calling on the government to scrap moderated grades altogether.
Outcry over the moderation process for higher qualifications in Scotland resulted in a U-turn on Monday and an apology from the Scottish education secretary.
The SNP's John Swinney said more than 100,000 moderated grades would be restored to the level originally set by teachers.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:05 Is it safe for kids to be back in school?
With exams unable to take place due to the coronavirus lockdown, 250,000 students will receive results on Thursday based on predictions set by teachers.
But those predictions will be subject to moderation by exam boards who will attempt to ensure results are not inconsistent with previous years by adjusting the grades based on a school's previous results.
The Welsh exams regulator, Qualifications Wales, has indicated it will also stick with a moderated results process, rather than follow the example of the Scottish government.
In Northern Ireland, the examinations body CCEA has said that any students wishing to appeal their grade can use mock exams as part of their case - a move welcomed by Peter Weir, the education minister.
"I have made it clear that I do not want to see any pupil disadvantaged as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, it is important that qualification standards are maintained," he said.
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Robert Halfon, the Conservative chair of the Education Select Committee, told Sky News the government must ensure the appeals process is effective.
"It is right that teachers grade the exams and that there is a check and balance system from Ofqual, but what we have to ensure is that the system is fair and the model that Ofqual is using is fair and doesn't hurt those from disadvantaged backgrounds," he said.
"We also have to make sure we have an appeals system that is second to none.
"Students should be able to appeal if they feel their grades are unfair, providing it is signed off by the headteacher."


skynewspolitics--2020-08-11--Tens of thousands of Scottish pupils have exam results reinstated after outcry

Exam results in Scotland that were downgraded by a controversial moderation process will be withdrawn , the Scottish education secretary has announced .
John Swinney told the Scottish parliament that the 124,564 results affected will revert to the grades estimated by the pupils ' teachers .
He said he was directing the Scottish Qualifications Authority ( SQA ) to `` reissue those awards based solely on teacher or lecturer judgement '' .
`` Schools will be able to confirm the estimates they provided for pupils to those that are returning to school this week and next , '' Mr Swinney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas of Scotland had their exam pass rate downgraded by more than twice that of students from the wealthiest parts of the country .
Exams for nationals , highers and advanced higher courses were scrapped this year due to the coronavirus lockdown , with teachers instead submitting estimated grades based on students ' previous results , predicted attainment and evidence of their past work .
The grades were then looked at by the SQA , which moderated 26.2 % of them , leaving the rest unchanged .
Of those grades that were moderated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 124,564 pupils .
The pass rate of pupils in the most deprived data zones was reduced by 15.2 % from teacher estimates after the exam board 's moderation .
In contrast , the pass rate for pupils from the most affluent backgrounds dropped by 6.9 % .
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has apologised , admitting `` we did not get this right '' .
Mr Swinney has faced criticism from pupils , parents and teachers amid the furore , with opposition politicians calling for him to resign .
Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and is n't the one to fix this '' , while former Scottish Tory leaders Ruth Davidson and Jackson Carlaw both called on Mr Swinney to quit .
The education secretary did not address these calls directly in his statement .
`` We set out to ensure that the system was fair , '' he said .
`` We set out to ensure it was credible .
But we did not get it right for all young people . ''
Mr Swinney added : `` In speaking directly to the young people affected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 75,000 pupils whose teacher estimates were higher than their final award - I want to say this : I am sorry . ''
The education secretary said that no grades which were moderated up would be reduced .
The U-turn came on the day that pupils began returning to school full-time .
Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Schools in the Scottish Borders are the first to open today , while other areas will gradually open ahead of all pupils returning by 18 August @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will start to return on 12 August .
Meanwhile , Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he has `` no doubt '' that schools in England can fully reopen safely next month .

Exam results in Scotland that were downgraded by a controversial moderation process will be withdrawn, the Scottish education secretary has announced.
John Swinney told the Scottish parliament that the 124,564 results affected will revert to the grades estimated by the pupils' teachers.
He said he was directing the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) to "reissue those awards based solely on teacher or lecturer judgement".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:38 Nicola Sturgeon apologises to students
"Schools will be able to confirm the estimates they provided for pupils to those that are returning to school this week and next," Mr Swinney added.
Pupils in the most deprived areas of Scotland had their exam pass rate downgraded by more than twice that of students from the wealthiest parts of the country.
Exams for nationals, highers and advanced higher courses were scrapped this year due to the coronavirus lockdown, with teachers instead submitting estimated grades based on students' previous results, predicted attainment and evidence of their past work.
The grades were then looked at by the SQA, which moderated 26.2% of them, leaving the rest unchanged.
Image: John Swinney has faced calls to resign
Of those grades that were moderated, 93.1% were downgraded, affecting 124,564 pupils.
The pass rate of pupils in the most deprived data zones was reduced by 15.2% from teacher estimates after the exam board's moderation.
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In contrast, the pass rate for pupils from the most affluent backgrounds dropped by 6.9%.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:41 'Deep concerns' as pass rate cut hits poorest pupils hardest
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has apologised, admitting "we did not get this right".
Mr Swinney has faced criticism from pupils, parents and teachers amid the furore, with opposition politicians calling for him to resign.
Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard said he "has lost all credibility and isn't the one to fix this", while former Scottish Tory leaders Ruth Davidson and Jackson Carlaw both called on Mr Swinney to quit.
The education secretary did not address these calls directly in his statement.
Image: The Scottish first minister admitted 'we did not get this right'
"We set out to ensure that the system was fair," he said.
"We set out to ensure it was credible. But we did not get it right for all young people."
Mr Swinney added: "In speaking directly to the young people affected by the downgrading of awards - the 75,000 pupils whose teacher estimates were higher than their final award - I want to say this: I am sorry."
The education secretary said that no grades which were moderated up would be reduced.
The U-turn came on the day that pupils began returning to school full-time.
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Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Schools in the Scottish Borders are the first to open today, while other areas will gradually open ahead of all pupils returning by 18 August, the Scottish government said.
Most will start to return on 12 August.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he has "no doubt" that schools in England can fully reopen safely next month.


skynewspolitics--2020-08-11--Ben & Jerry's tackle home secretary over migrant crossings - and get a chilly response

Ice cream maker Ben & Jerry 's has taken on Home Secretary Priti Patel over moves to stem the surge in migrant Channel crossings - and received a chilly response .
The frosty exchange came after the company challenged the cabinet minister on Twitter and criticised the `` lack of humanity '' shown to those making the perilous journey .
But a Home Office source soon hit back , defending Ms Patel 's handling of the crisis , adding if that meant upsetting the social media team `` for a brand of overpriced junk food then so be it '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government 's response to the increase in numbers of migrants making the hazardous voyage during the calmer summer conditions at sea .
Criminal gangs demand thousands of pounds for passage on overcrowded small boats that often barely have enough fuel to reach UK waters .
More than 4,000 people have made it across the world 's busiest shipping lane so far this year , with at least 597 arriving between Thursday and Sunday .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ action plan '' to deal with the issue after holding talks with French officials .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has also come under fire after calling migrant boat crossings a `` very bad and stupid and dangerous and criminal thing to do '' .
Wading into the controversy , Ben & Jerry 's posted a series of messages on Twitter taking the home secretary to task over moves to curb the crossings .
The company wrote : `` Hey Priti Patel , we think the real crisis is our lack of humanity for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ torture .
`` People would n't make dangerous journeys if they had any other choice . ''
It added : `` Stronger ' borders are n't the answer and only puts more lives at risk .
`` Let 's remember we 're all human and have the same rights to life regardless of the country we happen to have been born in . ''
But Home Office insiders said Ms Patel would not be deterred from tackling the crisis .
`` Priti is working day and night to bring an end to these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by international criminal gangs and are rightly of serious concern to the British people , '' the source said .
`` If that means upsetting the social media team for a brand of overpriced junk food then so be it . ''

Ice cream maker Ben & Jerry's has taken on Home Secretary Priti Patel over moves to stem the surge in migrant Channel crossings - and received a chilly response.
The frosty exchange came after the company challenged the cabinet minister on Twitter and criticised the "lack of humanity" shown to those making the perilous journey.
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But a Home Office source soon hit back, defending Ms Patel's handling of the crisis, adding if that meant upsetting the social media team "for a brand of overpriced junk food then so be it".
Ms Patel has been leading the government's response to the increase in numbers of migrants making the hazardous voyage during the calmer summer conditions at sea.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:27 Migrants from Sudan head towards Dover
Criminal gangs demand thousands of pounds for passage on overcrowded small boats that often barely have enough fuel to reach UK waters.
More than 4,000 people have made it across the world's busiest shipping lane so far this year, with at least 597 arriving between Thursday and Sunday.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The government has promised a "new, comprehensive action plan" to deal with the issue after holding talks with French officials.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has also come under fire after calling migrant boat crossings a "very bad and stupid and dangerous and criminal thing to do".
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Wading into the controversy, Ben & Jerry's posted a series of messages on Twitter taking the home secretary to task over moves to curb the crossings.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:46 Seventy to a boat as migrants try to reach UK
The company wrote: "Hey Priti Patel, we think the real crisis is our lack of humanity for people fleeing war, climate change and torture.
"People wouldn't make dangerous journeys if they had any other choice."
It added: "Stronger' borders aren't the answer and only puts more lives at risk.
"Let's remember we're all human and have the same rights to life regardless of the country we happen to have been born in."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:41 'This is the activity of criminal gangs'
But Home Office insiders said Ms Patel would not be deterred from tackling the crisis.
"Priti is working day and night to bring an end to these small boat crossings, which are facilitated by international criminal gangs and are rightly of serious concern to the British people," the source said.
"If that means upsetting the social media team for a brand of overpriced junk food then so be it."


skynewspolitics--2020-08-11--PM insists schools can reopen safely despite scientists' warning about older pupils

The prime minister has said he has `` no doubt '' that schools in England can fully reopen safely next month , despite reported warnings from scientists that secondary school pupils transmit coronavirus like adults .
Boris Johnson said schools were doing a `` huge amount '' to make sure the planned return of all pupils to the classroom is done safely amid the coronavirus pandemic .
The PM added he was `` very , very impressed '' with the work schools have done to adapt to COVID-19 .
`` Obviously we need to make sure that we do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do everything we can to avoid a second wave , '' he continued .
`` I 'm afraid you are going to see outbreaks , we have seen them across the country in the last few weeks and months and we have also seen the immense efforts that local authorities have gone to , local communities have gone to , to get that outbreak under control .
`` The most important thing for people to remember is that you have got to get schools back , we will get schools back , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our discipline - so in schools they have some very well thought through plans for how to manage it . ''
Mr Johnson was speaking after it was reported that Public Health England ( PHE ) scientists have warned that secondary school pupils transmit coronavirus like adults .
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has said the study shows there is little risk of spreading the virus by reopening schools .
The full findings are set to be published later this year .
According to The Times , the study found there was little risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says that researchers who worked on study are unhappy with the way their findings , which have not yet been fully analysed , have been used by the government .
It is likely to heighten concerns among teaching unions that a full return of pupils to school is not safe .
Schools closed in March as the government took action to try and halt the spread of COVID-19 , with only vulnerable children and those whose parents are key workers able to attend .
A phased reopening of primary schools began at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reception , Year 1 and Year 6 returning to the classroom .
Some secondary pupils in Years 10 and 12 also returned that month .
But ministers abandoned plans to get all primary pupils back before the end of the summer term .
In Scotland , children have begun returning to school full-time .
Schools in the Scottish Borders are the first to open today , while other areas will gradually open ahead of all pupils returning by 18 August , the Scottish government said .
Most will start to return on 12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it as a `` major milestone '' in the fight against coronavirus in Scotland .
She said : `` Today 's return has been made possible by the progress all of us have made in suppressing the virus , but we know from all sorts of evidence here at home and elsewhere across the UK and across Europe that progress remains fragile and we all really need to continue to be vigilant and cautious , '' she said .

The prime minister has said he has "no doubt" that schools in England can fully reopen safely next month, despite reported warnings from scientists that secondary school pupils transmit coronavirus like adults.
Boris Johnson said schools were doing a "huge amount" to make sure the planned return of all pupils to the classroom is done safely amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The PM added he was "very, very impressed" with the work schools have done to adapt to COVID-19.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:05 Is it safe for kids to be back in school?
"Obviously we need to make sure that we don't have a second wave, that we do everything we can to avoid a second wave," he continued.
"I'm afraid you are going to see outbreaks, we have seen them across the country in the last few weeks and months and we have also seen the immense efforts that local authorities have gone to, local communities have gone to, to get that outbreak under control.
"The most important thing for people to remember is that you have got to get schools back, we will get schools back, but also we have got to stick to our discipline - so in schools they have some very well thought through plans for how to manage it."
Mr Johnson was speaking after it was reported that Public Health England (PHE) scientists have warned that secondary school pupils transmit coronavirus like adults.
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has said the study shows there is little risk of spreading the virus by reopening schools.
The full findings are set to be published later this year.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:08 Schools 'low risk, low infection environment'
According to The Times, the study found there was little risk from primary schools.
But the newspaper says that researchers who worked on study are unhappy with the way their findings, which have not yet been fully analysed, have been used by the government.
It is likely to heighten concerns among teaching unions that a full return of pupils to school is not safe.
Schools closed in March as the government took action to try and halt the spread of COVID-19, with only vulnerable children and those whose parents are key workers able to attend.
A phased reopening of primary schools began at the start of June, with pupils in Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 returning to the classroom.
Some secondary pupils in Years 10 and 12 also returned that month.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:35 'Crucial' that schools reopen next month - PM
But ministers abandoned plans to get all primary pupils back before the end of the summer term.
In Scotland, children have begun returning to school full-time.
Schools in the Scottish Borders are the first to open today, while other areas will gradually open ahead of all pupils returning by 18 August, the Scottish government said.
Image: Pupils return to Kelso High School for the first time since the start of lockdown nearly five months ago
Most will start to return on 12 August.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon hailed it as a "major milestone" in the fight against coronavirus in Scotland.
She said: "Today's return has been made possible by the progress all of us have made in suppressing the virus, but we know from all sorts of evidence here at home and elsewhere across the UK and across Europe that progress remains fragile and we all really need to continue to be vigilant and cautious," she said.


skynewspolitics--2020-08-11--UK-Japan post-Brexit talks 'hit stumbling block over Stilton'

Post-Brexit trade talks between the UK and Japan have reportedly hit a `` stumbling block '' - blue cheese .
Both sides have committed to largely agreeing a deal by the end of this month , but one of the outstanding issues includes access to food and agricultural products , media reports say .
The deal , which will build on the existing EU agreement , reportedly hit a snag when the UK sought better terms for blue cheeses but Japan wanted to keep to the existing EU tariffs .
The Department for International Trade would not comment on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Liz Truss last week that talks with Japan had been `` positive and constructive '' , with consensus on the `` major elements of a deal '' .
The Financial Times has reported that Ms Truss hopes a symbolic victory over Stilton cheese will show the UK can secure a better deal than the one obtained by the EU .
Last year , the EU secured a cut of €1bn ( £899m ) of tariffs on food .
Among its biggest exports to Japan are dairy and other food products .
Officials are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the end of the month and implemented by the end of this year , when the UK 's transition period within the EU expires .
Ms Truss has previously expressed her interest in local produce , most notably in a speech at the 2014 Conservative Party conference .
She told attendees it was a `` disgrace '' that `` we import two-thirds of our apples , nine-tenths of our pears , and two-thirds of our cheese '' .
The comment was later turned into a social media meme .
Liberal Democrat trade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the complexities of trade negotiations , it 's no surprise that the UK-Japan trade deal has hit a stumbling block .
`` But the struggle to secure a trade deal with Japan must not distract from the fact that our most important trading partner is , and will remain , the European Union .
`` The Liberal Democrats are calling on the Conservative government to do everything in its power to secure the best possible deal with the EU .
Failure to do so will put thousands of people 's livelihoods at risk @ @

Post-Brexit trade talks between the UK and Japan have reportedly hit a "stumbling block" - blue cheese.
Both sides have committed to largely agreeing a deal by the end of this month, but one of the outstanding issues includes access to food and agricultural products, media reports say.
The deal, which will build on the existing EU agreement, reportedly hit a snag when the UK sought better terms for blue cheeses but Japan wanted to keep to the existing EU tariffs.
The Department for International Trade would not comment on the negotiations or on comments from Trade Secretary Liz Truss last week that talks with Japan had been "positive and constructive", with consensus on the "major elements of a deal".
The Financial Times has reported that Ms Truss hopes a symbolic victory over Stilton cheese will show the UK can secure a better deal than the one obtained by the EU.
Last year, the EU secured a cut of €1bn (£899m) of tariffs on food. Among its biggest exports to Japan are dairy and other food products.
Officials are hoping a deal can be largely agreed by the end of the month and implemented by the end of this year, when the UK's transition period within the EU expires.
Ms Truss has previously expressed her interest in local produce, most notably in a speech at the 2014 Conservative Party conference.
She told attendees it was a "disgrace" that "we import two-thirds of our apples, nine-tenths of our pears, and two-thirds of our cheese".
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Image: Trade Secretary Liz Truss has reportedly sought better terms for blue cheeses
The comment was later turned into a social media meme.
Liberal Democrat trade spokeswoman Sarah Olney said: "Given the complexities of trade negotiations, it's no surprise that the UK-Japan trade deal has hit a stumbling block.
"But the struggle to secure a trade deal with Japan must not distract from the fact that our most important trading partner is, and will remain, the European Union.
"The Liberal Democrats are calling on the Conservative government to do everything in its power to secure the best possible deal with the EU. Failure to do so will put thousands of people's livelihoods at risk."


skynewspolitics--2020-08-12--Virus crisis drives largest UK recession on record

The UK has been tipped into the `` largest recession on record '' , according to official figures charting the impact of the coronavirus crisis on the economy .
The Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) reported that the enforced hibernation of activity through the COVID-19 lockdown meant gross domestic product ( GDP ) slumped by 20.4 % in the second quarter of the year following a dip of 2.2 % during the first three months of 2020 .
It determined that , by the end of June , the economy was a sixth below February 's pre-crisis level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which began in May , gathered further momentum during June .
April proved the biggest drag as it was the first full month of curbs on non-essential businesses and services but was followed by month-on-month growth of 2.4 % in May and 8.7 % during June as restrictions were relaxed .
The effects of the lockdown have stoked a crisis for employment , with separate figures released on Tuesday showing the biggest slump for employment for more than a decade in the April to June quarter .
Data covering July showed 730,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ started .
John Lewis , Boots , M & S , British Airways , WH Smith and Debenhams have been among a wealth of well-known names cutting jobs to date , to save costs .
In its update on the economy on Wednesday , the ONS also pointed to a record fall in productivity during the second quarter of the year , as more than nine million workers were placed on furlough .
It measured that output per worker fell by a fifth compared with the first three months of 2020 .
ONS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The recession brought on by the coronavirus pandemic has led to the biggest fall in quarterly GDP on record .
`` The economy began to bounce back in June , with shops reopening , factories beginning to ramp up production and house-building continuing to recover .
`` Despite this , GDP in June still remains a sixth below its level in February , before the virus struck .
`` Overall , productivity saw its largest-ever fall in the second quarter .
Hospitality was worst hit , with productivity in that industry falling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The plunge in GDP currently leaves the UK second only to Spain in suffering the worst hit to output , among major economies , during the first six months of the year .
At 22.1 % it is double the impact witnessed in the US .
Economists have pointed to the UK being particularly exposed because of its reliance on consumer spending - a point Rishi Sunak was quick to make during an interview with Sky News in which he defended the scale of the downturn but warned there was worse to come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I said ( months ago ) hard times were coming and today 's numbers show that hard times are here .
`` Hundreds of thousands of people have already lost their job and many more will .
`` What I would say though is difficult decisions do lie ahead for all of us but I want to reassure people we will get through this and nobody will be left without hope and opportunity . ''
He signalled the government had put lives first but added : `` It 's not a sustainable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economy essentially shut down .
`` And that 's why we have been able to successfully reopen bits , and do it in a safe way .
`` And as people get back to going shopping , or going out for a meal , or indeed getting back to their office , they will see that it 's a new normal , it 's a safe normal . ''
In response , Labour accused the government of bungling the battle against COVID-19 .
Shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds tweeted : `` We 've already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Europe - now we 're on course for the worst recession too .
`` That 's a tragedy for our country and it 's happening on the PM 's watch .
A downturn was inevitable after lockdown - Johnson 's jobs crisis was n't . ''
While the worst may be over for economic growth , it is inevitable that the worst is yet to come for jobs .
Last week , the Bank of England forecast a better-than-expected pick-up in growth but said it would take until the final quarter of 2021 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ size .
It is expecting the unemployment rate , currently at 3.9 % to hit 7.5 % by the year 's end as the furlough scheme is wound down .
Analysis : 'The scale of this economic contraction is unlikely ever to be repeated' So it 's official .
Britain is in recession .
Except that this is unlike any recession any of us have experienced .
It 's the deepest recession in modern British history .
It 's the deepest of any other leading industrialised economy ( only Spain 's economy shrank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 ) .
Indeed , this is the deepest recession since the invention of gross domestic product as an economic concept back in the 1930s .
In one sense the fall is not surprising : we were in lockdown for most of the second quarter , so it was always likely that economic output would fall sharply during that period .
The lockdown began in the first quarter and intensified in the second , and given the standard definition of a recession is two successive quarters of contraction , it was plain a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recession .
Even so , the scale of it is quite something : a 20.4 % fall in output in the second quarter - almost double the fall in most other advanced economies .
It puts UK economic output back to the level it was in 2003 : 16 years of growth and prosperity wiped out in the space of six months .
Except that 's not quite right , because this is no normal recession in another respect too .
Mostly , recessions are thrust upon countries and governments .
This recession @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a confected one : a lockdown designed to clamp down on activity and bring COVID-19 under control .
And the good news is that much of that economic output should come back pretty quickly .
Indeed , delve deeper into the figures released by the Office for National Statistics today - into the month-on-month growth rates , and you can see the early signs of that rebound .
Monthly GDP actually rose by 8.7 % in June , the biggest monthly increase since records began .
It 's nowhere near enough to bring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back to where it was before COVID-19 struck - indeed it still leaves GDP 17.2 % shy of its pre-crisis level .
Still : for those who hope this will be V-shaped recovery , with a very quick rebound back to normality , it is a start .
Economic statistics are mostly the equivalent of a rear-view mirror .
These GDP numbers are history , albeit recent history - a cliff edge and a canyon we are now pulling out of .
The abiding question now is what happens next .
Does the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activity drag on at a weaker rate for the foreseeable future ?
And , inextricably linked , what happens if there 's a second surge in COVID-19 infections : does it prompt another lockdown or semi-lockdown , with all the associated consequences ?
Most economists suspect that whatever happens , unemployment will rise even more sharply than after the financial crisis in 2008 , making this the biggest jobs crisis since the 1980s .
In the end , that statistic - unemployment - may prove more significant and meaningful than a double digit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this economic contraction is unlikely ever to be repeated .
It will take some time before we understand the precise shape of the curve : the ONS constantly revises these numbers over time , so it might be that the fall was less deep , or maybe deeper .
Is this the worst recession since 1921 or since the early 18th century ?
Only time will tell .
It is likely that it is an unusually short lived recession , if only because the fall was so sharp that any return to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in output .
Even so , it is a baleful moment for the UK .
It might just be a statistic , it might not be the best measure of personal wellbeing or equality , but GDP is still about the most comprehensive metric of a country 's welfare .
It is simply the sum total of everything we buy , sell or earn .
And we have never seen it collapse like this before .

The UK has been tipped into the "largest recession on record", according to official figures charting the impact of the coronavirus crisis on the economy.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that the enforced hibernation of activity through the COVID-19 lockdown meant gross domestic product (GDP) slumped by 20.4% in the second quarter of the year following a dip of 2.2% during the first three months of 2020.
It determined that, by the end of June, the economy was a sixth below February's pre-crisis level - as a monthly recovery for growth, which began in May, gathered further momentum during June.
April proved the biggest drag as it was the first full month of curbs on non-essential businesses and services but was followed by month-on-month growth of 2.4% in May and 8.7% during June as restrictions were relaxed.
The effects of the lockdown have stoked a crisis for employment, with separate figures released on Tuesday showing the biggest slump for employment for more than a decade in the April to June quarter.
Data covering July showed 730,000 fewer people on payrolls since the lockdown started.
John Lewis, Boots, M&S, British Airways, WH Smith and Debenhams have been among a wealth of well-known names cutting jobs to date, to save costs.
In its update on the economy on Wednesday, the ONS also pointed to a record fall in productivity during the second quarter of the year, as more than nine million workers were placed on furlough.
It measured that output per worker fell by a fifth compared with the first three months of 2020.
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ONS deputy national statistician Jonathan Athow said: "The recession brought on by the coronavirus pandemic has led to the biggest fall in quarterly GDP on record.
"The economy began to bounce back in June, with shops reopening, factories beginning to ramp up production and house-building continuing to recover.
"Despite this, GDP in June still remains a sixth below its level in February, before the virus struck.
"Overall, productivity saw its largest-ever fall in the second quarter. Hospitality was worst hit, with productivity in that industry falling by three-quarters in recent months."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:03 'Big downside risk' for economy warns Bailey
The plunge in GDP currently leaves the UK second only to Spain in suffering the worst hit to output, among major economies, during the first six months of the year.
At 22.1% it is double the impact witnessed in the US.
Economists have pointed to the UK being particularly exposed because of its reliance on consumer spending - a point Rishi Sunak was quick to make during an interview with Sky News in which he defended the scale of the downturn but warned there was worse to come for employment.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:18 Is the UK set for a prolonged recession?
The Chancellor said: "I said (months ago) hard times were coming and today's numbers show that hard times are here.
"Hundreds of thousands of people have already lost their job and many more will.
"What I would say though is difficult decisions do lie ahead for all of us but I want to reassure people we will get through this and nobody will be left without hope and opportunity."
He signalled the government had put lives first but added: "It's not a sustainable situation to have vast swathes of our economy essentially shut down.
"And that's why we have been able to successfully reopen bits, and do it in a safe way.
"And as people get back to going shopping, or going out for a meal, or indeed getting back to their office, they will see that it's a new normal, it's a safe normal."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:55 Blanchflower: V-shaped recovery is for the birds
In response, Labour accused the government of bungling the battle against COVID-19.
Shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds tweeted: "We've already got the worst excess death rate in Europe - now we're on course for the worst recession too.
"That's a tragedy for our country and it's happening on the PM's watch. A downturn was inevitable after lockdown - Johnson's jobs crisis wasn't."
While the worst may be over for economic growth, it is inevitable that the worst is yet to come for jobs.
Last week, the Bank of England forecast a better-than-expected pick-up in growth but said it would take until the final quarter of 2021 for the economy to regain its previous size.
It is expecting the unemployment rate, currently at 3.9% to hit 7.5% by the year's end as the furlough scheme is wound down.
Analysis: 'The scale of this economic contraction is unlikely ever to be repeated'
By Ed Conway, economics editor
So it's official.
Britain is in recession. Except that this is unlike any recession any of us have experienced. It's the deepest recession in modern British history. It's the deepest of any other leading industrialised economy (only Spain's economy shrank by more in the first half of 2020).
Indeed, this is the deepest recession since the invention of gross domestic product as an economic concept back in the 1930s.
In one sense the fall is not surprising: we were in lockdown for most of the second quarter, so it was always likely that economic output would fall sharply during that period. The lockdown began in the first quarter and intensified in the second, and given the standard definition of a recession is two successive quarters of contraction, it was plain a while back that we would face a recession.
Even so, the scale of it is quite something: a 20.4% fall in output in the second quarter - almost double the fall in most other advanced economies. It puts UK economic output back to the level it was in 2003: 16 years of growth and prosperity wiped out in the space of six months.
Except that's not quite right, because this is no normal recession in another respect too. Mostly, recessions are thrust upon countries and governments. This recession was, at least in part, a confected one: a lockdown designed to clamp down on activity and bring COVID-19 under control. And the good news is that much of that economic output should come back pretty quickly.
Indeed, delve deeper into the figures released by the Office for National Statistics today - into the month-on-month growth rates, and you can see the early signs of that rebound.
Monthly GDP actually rose by 8.7% in June, the biggest monthly increase since records began. It's nowhere near enough to bring the level of income across the economy back to where it was before COVID-19 struck - indeed it still leaves GDP 17.2% shy of its pre-crisis level. Still: for those who hope this will be V-shaped recovery, with a very quick rebound back to normality, it is a start.
Economic statistics are mostly the equivalent of a rear-view mirror. These GDP numbers are history, albeit recent history - a cliff edge and a canyon we are now pulling out of. The abiding question now is what happens next. Does the UK economy recover, or does economic activity drag on at a weaker rate for the foreseeable future? And, inextricably linked, what happens if there's a second surge in COVID-19 infections: does it prompt another lockdown or semi-lockdown, with all the associated consequences?
Most economists suspect that whatever happens, unemployment will rise even more sharply than after the financial crisis in 2008, making this the biggest jobs crisis since the 1980s. In the end, that statistic - unemployment - may prove more significant and meaningful than a double digit fall in GDP.
The scale of this economic contraction is unlikely ever to be repeated. It will take some time before we understand the precise shape of the curve: the ONS constantly revises these numbers over time, so it might be that the fall was less deep, or maybe deeper. Is this the worst recession since 1921 or since the early 18th century? Only time will tell.
It is likely that it is an unusually short lived recession, if only because the fall was so sharp that any return to a semblance of normality would involve an increase in output.
Even so, it is a baleful moment for the UK. It might just be a statistic, it might not be the best measure of personal wellbeing or equality, but GDP is still about the most comprehensive metric of a country's welfare. It is simply the sum total of everything we buy, sell or earn. And we have never seen it collapse like this before.


skynewspolitics--2020-08-12--Met Police condemns 'trial by social media' after MP stopped by officers

Labour MP Dawn Butler was stopped by police in London because of a `` human error '' , the Metropolitan Police has said , as the force condemned the `` trial by social media '' of officers .
The MP for Brent Central filmed police stopping her `` black friend '' driving a `` nice car '' in Hackney , while she was in the passenger seat last weekend .
She accused the force of `` racial profiling '' , but its deputy commissioner Sir Steve House said the officers made a mistake and `` acted professionally , humanely and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He said in a statement : `` The stop of a car in which Dawn Butler MP was travelling by Met officers on Sunday has prompted a lot of debate and it is important that the facts are fully understood . ''
Sir Steve said they were part of the Met 's violent crime task force and that `` criminals often use vehicles to travel in and to commit crime '' , so `` officers will often check cars to see if there is anything that requires them to stop it and do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could not see who was inside the car because the windows were tinted .
One of the officers made `` a human error as he inputted the car registration '' into the police database , which meant it falsely brought up details of a vehicle in Yorkshire , he said .
Defending his officers ' actions , Sir Steve added : `` The officers were not initially aware of this problem and as a result felt , with good reason , that they should do further checks on the car by stopping it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I expect officers to have professional curiosity and I would have done the same .
`` I have viewed all the available video material of that interaction and I have read their statements - the officers acted professionally and politely , explaining why the stop was made and , when realising there was a mistake , explaining this and continuing to answer the occupants ' questions . ''
He slammed those criticising his officers online , saying : `` The increasingly routine trial by social media is unfair and damaging to individual officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the `` unacceptable and unwarranted '' abuse Ms Butler received in response to her video on social media .
Ms Butler told Sky News after the incident : `` We were stopped because we 're two black people driving in a nice car in Hackney .
`` I 'm angry because I know it happens all the time every day .
There 's one group of people that are disproportionately policed .
`` It is tiring and exhausting and mentally draining if you 're black and getting treated like that . ''
Prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ racism , adding : `` The police have made a statement saying that they made a mistake . ''
It comes after the Met were forced to apologise for stopping and handcuffing British sprinter Bianca Williams and her partner Ricardo dos Santos while their three-month-old son was in the car .
The force referred itself to the police watchdog over the incident .

Labour MP Dawn Butler was stopped by police in London because of a "human error", the Metropolitan Police has said, as the force condemned the "trial by social media" of officers.
The MP for Brent Central filmed police stopping her "black friend" driving a "nice car" in Hackney, while she was in the passenger seat last weekend.
She accused the force of "racial profiling", but its deputy commissioner Sir Steve House said the officers made a mistake and "acted professionally, humanely and in service of the public".
Image: Dawn Butler is the Labour MP for Brent Central in northwest London
He said in a statement: "The stop of a car in which Dawn Butler MP was travelling by Met officers on Sunday has prompted a lot of debate and it is important that the facts are fully understood."
Sir Steve said they were part of the Met's violent crime task force and that "criminals often use vehicles to travel in and to commit crime", so "officers will often check cars to see if there is anything that requires them to stop it and do further checks".
He said they could not see who was inside the car because the windows were tinted.
One of the officers made "a human error as he inputted the car registration" into the police database, which meant it falsely brought up details of a vehicle in Yorkshire, he said.
Defending his officers' actions, Sir Steve added: "The officers were not initially aware of this problem and as a result felt, with good reason, that they should do further checks on the car by stopping it and engaging with the occupants.
"I expect officers to have professional curiosity and I would have done the same.
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"I have viewed all the available video material of that interaction and I have read their statements - the officers acted professionally and politely, explaining why the stop was made and, when realising there was a mistake, explaining this and continuing to answer the occupants' questions."
He slammed those criticising his officers online, saying: "The increasingly routine trial by social media is unfair and damaging to individual officers."
The deputy commissioner also condemned the "unacceptable and unwarranted" abuse Ms Butler received in response to her video on social media.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 7:33 Butler: Met Police 'institutionally racist'
Ms Butler told Sky News after the incident: "We were stopped because we're two black people driving in a nice car in Hackney.
"I'm angry because I know it happens all the time every day. There's one group of people that are disproportionately policed.
"It is tiring and exhausting and mentally draining if you're black and getting treated like that."
Prime Minister Boris Johnson dismissed claims of institutional racism, adding: "The police have made a statement saying that they made a mistake."
It comes after the Met were forced to apologise for stopping and handcuffing British sprinter Bianca Williams and her partner Ricardo dos Santos while their three-month-old son was in the car.
The force referred itself to the police watchdog over the incident.


skynewspolitics--2020-08-12--PM vows to build 'stronger than ever' economy ahead of NI visit

The prime minister has vowed to rebuild a `` stronger than ever '' economy and highlighted the need for co-operation between central and devolved government .
Ahead of a visit to Northern Ireland , Boris Johnson acknowledged the close working relationship between Westminster and the power-sharing administration at Stormont .
He will meet first minister Arlene Foster and deputy first minister Michelle O'Neill and hold his first face-to-face talks with the new Irish premier , Micheal Martin .
Number 10 said the Treasury had protected 316,000 jobs in Northern Ireland , granted thousands of business loans and provided the power-sharing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its COVID-19 response .
Westminster and Stormont jointly funded a £5.7m support package for Belfast City Airport and Derry City Airport , safeguarding air connectivity between Great Britain and Northern Ireland .
Highlighting the UK-wide PPE strategy , the prime minister 's office revealed that Northern Ireland had received 4.7 million pieces of PPE and provided 250,000 medical-grade gowns to England in return .
The prime minister said : `` As the country begins to get back on its feet in the wake of coronavirus , we can not simply strive to rebuild @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stronger than ever .
`` I can not overstate how important it is that the close co-operation that we have seen between central and devolved government will continue to be to this .
`` Together , we will make sure Northern Ireland to ready to take full advantage of the many opportunities that lie ahead and that no part of Northern Ireland is left behind . ''
During his visit to Belfast , Mr Johnson will announce plans to establish a Northern Ireland Centenary Forum and Northern Ireland Centenary Historical Advisory Panel to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` As we mark 100 years since the creation of Northern Ireland , it is important that we celebrate its people , culture and enterprise .
`` It is a truly special place and we must use the centenary to promote Northern Ireland on the world stage . ''
His talks with Taoiseach Micheal Martin are expected to focus on the shared fight against coronavirus , the economy and the UK 's negotiations with the EU .
Boris Johnson last visited Northern Ireland in January following an agreement to restore the power-sharing government @ @ @ @ @ @ @

The prime minister has vowed to rebuild a "stronger than ever" economy and highlighted the need for co-operation between central and devolved government.
Ahead of a visit to Northern Ireland, Boris Johnson acknowledged the close working relationship between Westminster and the power-sharing administration at Stormont.
He will meet first minister Arlene Foster and deputy first minister Michelle O'Neill and hold his first face-to-face talks with the new Irish premier, Micheal Martin.
Number 10 said the Treasury had protected 316,000 jobs in Northern Ireland, granted thousands of business loans and provided the power-sharing Executive with an additional £2.2bn to fund its COVID-19 response.
Westminster and Stormont jointly funded a £5.7m support package for Belfast City Airport and Derry City Airport, safeguarding air connectivity between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Image: Mr Johnson will hold his first face-to-face talks with the new Irish premier, Micheal Martin
Highlighting the UK-wide PPE strategy, the prime minister's office revealed that Northern Ireland had received 4.7 million pieces of PPE and provided 250,000 medical-grade gowns to England in return.
The prime minister said: "As the country begins to get back on its feet in the wake of coronavirus, we cannot simply strive to rebuild but we must commit to building back stronger than ever.
"I cannot overstate how important it is that the close co-operation that we have seen between central and devolved government will continue to be to this.
"Together, we will make sure Northern Ireland to ready to take full advantage of the many opportunities that lie ahead and that no part of Northern Ireland is left behind."
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During his visit to Belfast, Mr Johnson will announce plans to establish a Northern Ireland Centenary Forum and Northern Ireland Centenary Historical Advisory Panel to prepare for 2021.
He said: "As we mark 100 years since the creation of Northern Ireland, it is important that we celebrate its people, culture and enterprise.
"It is a truly special place and we must use the centenary to promote Northern Ireland on the world stage."
His talks with Taoiseach Micheal Martin are expected to focus on the shared fight against coronavirus, the economy and the UK's negotiations with the EU.
Boris Johnson last visited Northern Ireland in January following an agreement to restore the power-sharing government three years after it had collapsed.


skynewspolitics--2020-08-12--A-level results day as confusion continues over grading and appeal process

Hundreds of thousands of students will receive their A-level and vocational qualifications today , as the fallout continues over how they are to be graded .
The Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said on Wednesday that he would n't apologise for the last-minute change to the system in England .
Gavin Williamson said students would benefit by being allowed to use their best results from mock exams , or a moderated system or by taking exams in October .
`` I wo n't apologise for the fact we want to make these changes because we do think they 'll benefit young @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday , he announced the `` triple lock '' system for England ahead of Thursday 's AS and A-level results , prompting criticism from Labour and teaching and student unions .
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer called for statutory guidance to require colleges and universities to show greater flexibility in admissions .
He said it was a `` blatant injustice '' young people could have their futures decided by their postcode as a result of the exams system .
Shadow education secretary Kate Green told Sky News the announcement was `` papering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really is in chaos '' .
But Mr Williamson defended the last-minute decision , made after Scotland was forced to scrap moderated grades after the downgrading of more than 124,000 results was reversed .
He said the government was confident they could deal with any appeals and said it was important they were dealt with swiftly to ensure any new grades were given in time to get into university .
`` What 's so important is I do everything I can to ensure we have as fair a system as possible for every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to go that extra mile , as we have here , to give youngsters the best opportunity in life and make sure they get the grades they 've been working towards and aspiring to , '' he added .
`` We think we 've got the balance of the system absolutely right .
We want to get this right for young people .
`` We recognise during a global pandemic we 're having to do lots of things in a very different and unusual way , this is why we 're taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approach in terms of the appeals process .
`` These actions are about making sure young people succeed . ''
With exams unable to take place due to the coronavirus lockdown , 250,000 students will receive results on Thursday based on predictions set by teachers .
But those predictions will be subject to moderation by exam boards who will attempt to ensure results are not inconsistent with previous years by adjusting the grades based on a school 's previous results .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exams regulator , Qualifications Wales , has indicated it will also stick with a moderated results process , rather than follow the example of the Scottish or English governments .
In Northern Ireland , the examinations body CCEA has said any students wishing to appeal their grade can use mock exams as part of their case - a move welcomed by Peter Weir , the education minister .
`` I have made it clear that I do not want to see any pupil disadvantaged as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that qualification standards are maintained , '' he said .

Hundreds of thousands of students will receive their A-level and vocational qualifications today, as the fallout continues over how they are to be graded.
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said on Wednesday that he wouldn't apologise for the last-minute change to the system in England.
Gavin Williamson said students would benefit by being allowed to use their best results from mock exams, or a moderated system or by taking exams in October.
"I won't apologise for the fact we want to make these changes because we do think they'll benefit young people," he said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:34 Starmer attacks mock grades plan
Late on Tuesday, he announced the "triple lock" system for England ahead of Thursday's AS and A-level results, prompting criticism from Labour and teaching and student unions.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer called for statutory guidance to require colleges and universities to show greater flexibility in admissions.
He said it was a "blatant injustice" young people could have their futures decided by their postcode as a result of the exams system.
Shadow education secretary Kate Green told Sky News the announcement was "papering over the cracks of a system that really is in chaos".
But Mr Williamson defended the last-minute decision, made after Scotland was forced to scrap moderated grades after the downgrading of more than 124,000 results was reversed.
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He said the government was confident they could deal with any appeals and said it was important they were dealt with swiftly to ensure any new grades were given in time to get into university.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:28 Students' relief at exams 'triple lock'
"What's so important is I do everything I can to ensure we have as fair a system as possible for every student and making sure that if we have to go that extra mile, as we have here, to give youngsters the best opportunity in life and make sure they get the grades they've been working towards and aspiring to," he added.
"We think we've got the balance of the system absolutely right. We want to get this right for young people.
"We recognise during a global pandemic we're having to do lots of things in a very different and unusual way, this is why we're taking a different approach, a more generous approach in terms of the appeals process.
"These actions are about making sure young people succeed."
With exams unable to take place due to the coronavirus lockdown, 250,000 students will receive results on Thursday based on predictions set by teachers.
But those predictions will be subject to moderation by exam boards who will attempt to ensure results are not inconsistent with previous years by adjusting the grades based on a school's previous results.
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In Wales, the education minister has announced that students will not receive a grade lower than their AS-levels.
Kirsty Williams said she was "confident" the system of moderation overseen by regulator Qualifications Wales and exam board WJEC was "fair for students and robust".
Wales has used a different model to Scotland, meaning 50% of the final mark given to pupils was based on AS-levels completed last year.
In Northern Ireland, the examinations body CCEA has said any students wishing to appeal their grade can use mock exams as part of their case - a move welcomed by Peter Weir, the education minister.
"I have made it clear that I do not want to see any pupil disadvantaged as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, it is important that qualification standards are maintained," he said.


skynewspolitics--2020-08-12--Starmer: Last-minute exam system changes a 'complete fiasco'

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has hit out at the `` complete fiasco '' of the 11th-hour changes to the way A-level and GCSE results in England will be assessed , saying it `` smacks of incompetence '' .
The government has announced that students will be able to use their mock exam results to appeal if they are unhappy with their grades , as well as being able to sit exams in the autumn .
This summer 's exams were cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic , with teachers required to submit the grades they thought each student would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ These grades have been moderated by exam boards to make sure this year 's results for students are not significantly higher than in previous years .
`` By ensuring students have the safety net of their mock results , as well as the chance of sitting autumn exams , we are creating a triple lock process to ensure they can have the confidence to take the next step forward in work or education , '' Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said .
But the move has provoked criticism , with one union leader warning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' in the way grades are awarded .
`` This is complete fiasco .
It was obvious that this was going to be difficult but it 's been weeks or months in the coming , '' the Labour leader said during a visit to Wakefield College in West Yorkshire .
`` It 's hours to go before the results , '' he pointed out .
`` We now face possibly 40 % of young people having their grades changed and downgraded , possibly .
`` And this risks robbing them of their future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ basis for individual young people to be able to appeal against the grading . ''
Sir Keir added that the idea of using mock results was `` deeply flawed '' .
`` Talking to teachers today , it 's obvious that they expect , across the piece , that young people will do better in the real exam than they 'd done in the mock , '' he continued .
`` It 's not going to work , it 's not going to wash. '' The announcement came hours after the Scottish government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have exam results reinstated following outcry over a controversial moderation process .
Pupils in the most deprived areas had their exam pass rate downgraded by more than twice that of students from the wealthiest parts of the country .
Sir Keir voiced fears of a similar scenario in England in the days to come .
`` The cause for concern here is that , if this is anything like Scotland , it will be the more deprived areas where the grades are downgraded .
And that 's simply not acceptable , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for people to go on to higher education , to go on apprenticeships .
This is their life chance that we 're dealing with here .
`` The government 's got to do far better than it 's done . ''
Schools minister Nick Gibb told Sky News earlier that the calculated grades system is `` fair '' and pupils getting their grades `` can be confident in those results '' .
Speaking to Kay Burley @ Breakfast , he added : `` It is just making sure at the edges that no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just to give a safety net for any student who might fall through the system .
`` It will only affect a small group of people .
Most young people tomorrow will get the grade that the teacher sent in to the exam board that they thought they would get . ''
Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Geoff Barton , general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders , said mock exams are not standardised and some students may not have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He said : `` The idea of introducing at the 11th hour a system in which mock exam results trump calculated grades beggars belief .
`` Schools and colleges have spent months diligently following detailed guidance to produce centre-assessed grades , only to find they might as well not have bothered . ''
In Wales , the devolved administration has said different modelling to that seen in Scotland will be used for its A-level results and that nearly half of pupils ' final mark was based on AS-levels completed last year .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ based on teachers ' predictions and statistical modelling , although the examinations body CCEA has said that any students wishing to appeal their grade can use mock exams as part of their case .

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has hit out at the "complete fiasco" of the 11th-hour changes to the way A-level and GCSE results in England will be assessed, saying it "smacks of incompetence".
The government has announced that students will be able to use their mock exam results to appeal if they are unhappy with their grades, as well as being able to sit exams in the autumn.
This summer's exams were cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic, with teachers required to submit the grades they thought each student would have achieved had they taken them.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:28 Students' relief at exams 'triple lock'
These grades have been moderated by exam boards to make sure this year's results for students are not significantly higher than in previous years.
"By ensuring students have the safety net of their mock results, as well as the chance of sitting autumn exams, we are creating a triple lock process to ensure they can have the confidence to take the next step forward in work or education," Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said.
But the move has provoked criticism, with one union leader warning it will lead to "massive inconsistency" in the way grades are awarded.
Sir Keir echoed this disquiet, labelling the decision "shambolic".
"This is complete fiasco. It was obvious that this was going to be difficult but it's been weeks or months in the coming," the Labour leader said during a visit to Wakefield College in West Yorkshire.
"It's hours to go before the results," he pointed out.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:27 Schools minister 'confident' in grading system
"We now face possibly 40% of young people having their grades changed and downgraded, possibly.
"And this risks robbing them of their future.
"There has to be a basis for individual young people to be able to appeal against the grading."
Sir Keir added that the idea of using mock results was "deeply flawed".
"Talking to teachers today, it's obvious that they expect, across the piece, that young people will do better in the real exam than they'd done in the mock," he continued.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:17 PM 'has no doubt' schools will be safe
"It's not going to work, it's not going to wash."
The announcement came hours after the Scottish government said tens of thousands of pupils would have exam results reinstated following outcry over a controversial moderation process.
Pupils in the most deprived areas had their exam pass rate downgraded by more than twice that of students from the wealthiest parts of the country.
Sir Keir voiced fears of a similar scenario in England in the days to come.
"The cause for concern here is that, if this is anything like Scotland, it will be the more deprived areas where the grades are downgraded. And that's simply not acceptable," he said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:05 Is it safe for kids to be back in school?
"This is the chance for people to go on to higher education, to go on apprenticeships. This is their life chance that we're dealing with here.
"The government's got to do far better than it's done."
Schools minister Nick Gibb told Sky News earlier that the calculated grades system is "fair" and pupils getting their grades "can be confident in those results".
Speaking to Kay Burley @ Breakfast, he added: "It is just making sure at the edges that no student is disadvantaged.
"This is just to give a safety net for any student who might fall through the system.
"It will only affect a small group of people. Most young people tomorrow will get the grade that the teacher sent in to the exam board that they thought they would get."
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Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said mock exams are not standardised and some students may not have taken them before schools closed in March.
He said: "The idea of introducing at the 11th hour a system in which mock exam results trump calculated grades beggars belief.
"Schools and colleges have spent months diligently following detailed guidance to produce centre-assessed grades, only to find they might as well not have bothered."
In Wales, the devolved administration has said different modelling to that seen in Scotland will be used for its A-level results and that nearly half of pupils' final mark was based on AS-levels completed last year.
In Northern Ireland, results will be based on teachers' predictions and statistical modelling, although the examinations body CCEA has said that any students wishing to appeal their grade can use mock exams as part of their case.


skynewspolitics--2020-08-13--Migrants arrive in Kent for unprecedented 10th day in a row

Migrants have been met by the Border Force off the Kent coast and brought ashore for an unprecedented 10th day in a row .
People in life jackets and masks were brought into Dover harbour on board the patrol boat Speedwell and then taken ashore by officials .
Border Force cutter Seeker and French border patrol boat Scarpe are also active in the Channel .
Favourable weather in the English Channel has seen hundreds of migrants make the crossing this month , with more than 4,000 migrants reaching the UK so far this year .
Sky News analysis has found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Channel to the UK in the first eight months of this year compared with the same period last year .
A total of 71 migrants arrived in the UK on Wednesday , travelling in six boats .
The peak came on 6 August when 235 migrants were picked up by the Border Force - a record total for a single day .
Kent County Council has said it could be just `` days away '' from being unable to look after more children seeking asylum after making it to England .
Prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop the `` stupid and dangerous '' crossings .
Government rhetoric has caused anger in some quarters , with refugee charities criticising the use of `` inflammatory language '' .
Labour 's shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds has accused ministers of lacking `` competence and compassion '' .
As the crossings continue , ministers have asked the military for assistance .
Royal Air Force maritime patrol and surveillance aircraft have been drafted in so far .
A P-8 Poseidon patrol plane flew from its base at Kinloss Barracks in Scotland on Wednesday to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , an Atlas A400M military transport aircraft was used to monitor the Channel after taking off from RAF Brize Norton in west Oxfordshire .
The mayor of Calais , Natacha Bouchart , has described the UK government 's formal request for military assistance from the Royal Navy as a `` declaration of maritime war '' .
But the government appears unbowed by such criticism .
According to The Times , Home Secretary Priti Patel has told Conservative MPs that the UK 's asylum system is `` broken '' and promised to introduce laws @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meltdown '' .
She added that the current system is being `` exploited by leftie Labour-supporting lawyers '' who are doing everything they can to stop the government removing people , the newspaper reported .
Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Labour say the government 's handling of the issue has resulted in thousands risking their lives in dangerous waters .
`` The situation has been exacerbated by government rhetoric when you should have been concentrating on the need to find a viable , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ international partners , '' Mr Thomas-Symonds said in a letter to the home secretary .
The shadow home secretary called for a `` step change '' in ministers ' response to the crisis .
`` To date your efforts have been devoid of compassion and should be replaced with a meaningful strategic approach to this issue , rather than headline-chasing announcements that quickly fall apart under scrutiny , '' he added .

Migrants have been met by the Border Force off the Kent coast and brought ashore for an unprecedented 10th day in a row.
People in life jackets and masks, including children, were brought into Dover harbour on board the patrol boat Speedwell and then taken ashore by officials.
Border Force cutter Seeker and French border patrol boat Scarpe are also active in the Channel.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:51 Migrant crossings 'unacceptable to Govt'
Favourable weather in the English Channel has seen hundreds of migrants make the crossing this month, with more than 4,000 migrants reaching the UK so far this year.
Sky News analysis has found that five times as many migrants crossed the Channel to the UK in the first eight months of this year compared with the same period last year.
A total of 71 migrants arrived in the UK on Wednesday, travelling in six boats.
The peak came on 6 August when 235 migrants were picked up by the Border Force - a record total for a single day.
Kent County Council has said it could be just "days away" from being unable to look after more children seeking asylum after making it to England.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has promised action to stop the "stupid and dangerous" crossings.
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Government rhetoric has caused anger in some quarters, with refugee charities criticising the use of "inflammatory language".
Labour's shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds has accused ministers of lacking "competence and compassion".
As the crossings continue, ministers have asked the military for assistance.
Royal Air Force maritime patrol and surveillance aircraft have been drafted in so far.
A P-8 Poseidon patrol plane flew from its base at Kinloss Barracks in Scotland on Wednesday to support Border Force operations.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:19 How do we deal with Channel migrants?
On Monday, an Atlas A400M military transport aircraft was used to monitor the Channel after taking off from RAF Brize Norton in west Oxfordshire.
The mayor of Calais, Natacha Bouchart, has described the UK government's formal request for military assistance from the Royal Navy as a "declaration of maritime war".
But the government appears unbowed by such criticism.
According to The Times, Home Secretary Priti Patel has told Conservative MPs that the UK's asylum system is "broken" and promised to introduce laws that will "send the left into meltdown".
She added that the current system is being "exploited by leftie Labour-supporting lawyers" who are doing everything they can to stop the government removing people, the newspaper reported.
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 Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Labour say the government's handling of the issue has resulted in thousands risking their lives in dangerous waters.
"The situation has been exacerbated by government rhetoric when you should have been concentrating on the need to find a viable, humanitarian, practical solution, working with international partners," Mr Thomas-Symonds said in a letter to the home secretary.
The shadow home secretary called for a "step change" in ministers' response to the crisis.
"To date your efforts have been devoid of compassion and should be replaced with a meaningful strategic approach to this issue, rather than headline-chasing announcements that quickly fall apart under scrutiny," he added.


skynewspolitics--2020-08-13--UK seeks to remove US tariffs on Scotch whisky amid bitter EU trade fight

The UK 's trade secretary has pledged a renewed effort to remove `` damaging '' tariffs on Scotch whisky , which is caught up in a 16-year old trade spat between the US and EU over aircraft subsidies .
US trade representative Robert Lighthizer confirmed on Wednesday night that the Trump administration would maintain 15 % tariffs on Airbus aircraft and 25 % tariffs on other European goods , including Scotch whisky , that were imposed last year following a World Trade Organisation ( WTO ) ruling on state aid .
He accused the EU of not taking the actions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mandatory review of the charges but stopped short of a threat to extend tariffs to vodka , gin and beer .
The announcement was made ahead of a separate ruling , due later this year , that is expected to find in the EU 's favour concerning US financial aid to Boeing .
The US declared itself in full compliance with WTO findings in May after Washington state abolished aerospace industry tax breaks that largely benefited the American planemaker .
Ahead of Wednesday night 's announcement by Mr Lighthizer , Airbus had said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Spain in a `` final '' bid to reverse US tariffs .
The US made several adjustments to its tariff regime , imposed last October , that sees an array of EU food , wine and spirits , including Italian cheese and single malt Scotch , cost more to be imported into the US .
It said it would modify its list of $ 7.5bn of affected European products to remove certain goods from Greece and Britain but did not elaborate and said more of the burden would be felt by Germany @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the EU to `` respond appropriately to defend its interests and the interests of all the European companies and sectors , including Airbus , targeted by these tariffs '' .
EU trade commissioner Phil Hogan pledged to maintain engagement with Mr Lighthizer to bring the dispute to an end .
In her response , UK Trade Secretary Liz Truss said the levies on Scotch were unacceptable .
`` These tariffs damage industry and livelihoods on both sides of the Atlantic and are in nobody 's interests , '' she said in a statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talks with the US to remove them as soon as possible . ''
The Scotch Whisky Association warned jobs were under threat from lost business .
Its chief executive Karen Betts said : `` The tariff is inflicting huge damage on the Scotch whisky sector , with exports to the US down 30 % since the tariff came into effect and the industry grappling with losses now totalling around £300m . ''

The UK's trade secretary has pledged a renewed effort to remove "damaging" tariffs on Scotch whisky, which is caught up in a 16-year old trade spat between the US and EU over aircraft subsidies.
US trade representative Robert Lighthizer confirmed on Wednesday night that the Trump administration would maintain 15% tariffs on Airbus aircraft and 25% tariffs on other European goods, including Scotch whisky, that were imposed last year following a World Trade Organisation (WTO) ruling on state aid.
He accused the EU of not taking the actions necessary to meet its obligations following a mandatory review of the charges but stopped short of a threat to extend tariffs to vodka, gin and beer.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:54 Trump tax on British gin would make it 'unviable'
The announcement was made ahead of a separate ruling, due later this year, that is expected to find in the EU's favour concerning US financial aid to Boeing.
The US declared itself in full compliance with WTO findings in May after Washington state abolished aerospace industry tax breaks that largely benefited the American planemaker.
Ahead of Wednesday night's announcement by Mr Lighthizer, Airbus had said it would increase loan repayments to France and Spain in a "final" bid to reverse US tariffs.
Image: Airbus needs the EU to resolve the dispute as it reels from COVID-19 damage to the airline industry
The US made several adjustments to its tariff regime, imposed last October, that sees an array of EU food, wine and spirits, including Italian cheese and single malt Scotch, cost more to be imported into the US.
It said it would modify its list of $7.5bn of affected European products to remove certain goods from Greece and Britain but did not elaborate and said more of the burden would be felt by Germany and France instead.
Airbus called on the EU to "respond appropriately to defend its interests and the interests of all the European companies and sectors, including Airbus, targeted by these tariffs".
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Image: Scotch whisky accounts for about 20% of all UK food and drink exports, according to industry figures
EU trade commissioner Phil Hogan pledged to maintain engagement with Mr Lighthizer to bring the dispute to an end.
In her response, UK Trade Secretary Liz Truss said the levies on Scotch were unacceptable.
"These tariffs damage industry and livelihoods on both sides of the Atlantic and are in nobody's interests," she said in a statement.
"I am therefore stepping up talks with the US to remove them as soon as possible."
The Scotch Whisky Association warned jobs were under threat from lost business.
Its chief executive Karen Betts said: "The tariff is inflicting huge damage on the Scotch whisky sector, with exports to the US down 30% since the tariff came into effect and the industry grappling with losses now totalling around £300m."