skynewspolitics--2020-11-17--PM tests negative for COVID - but will do PMQs remotely as he continues to self-isolate

Boris Johnson has tested negative for coronavirus but will continue to self-isolate and answer this week 's Prime Minister 's Questions remotely , Number 10 has said .
Downing Street revealed the prime minister took a rapid turnaround lateral flow test as part of a pilot scheme for Number 10 staff .
`` The prime minister took a test yesterday and that test was negative , '' Mr Johnson 's official spokesman said .
`` But he will , in accordance with the rules on self-isolation , continue to self-isolate . ''
Live updates on coronavirus from UK and around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ self-isolation until 26 November .
He has been quarantining after meeting with a group of Conservative MPs - one of whom later tested positive for COVID-19 .
Lateral flow tests , which use similar technology to a pregnancy test and have a turnaround time of under an hour , have been used in Liverpool as part of a mass testing trial .
Mr Johnson 's spokesman said Number 10 is now among a number of other settings - including schools , universities and workplaces - to also pilot the tests .
`` In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pilot where some staff have access to a lateral flow test if they wish to , '' the spokesman said , adding that the pilot scheme had been operating for around two weeks .
Mr Johnson 's self-isolation has disturbed plans for a `` reset '' of his premiership , following the departure of his controversial chief adviser Dominic Cummings - as well as his director of communications Lee Cain - last week .
Mr Johnson had hoped to use the next couple of weeks to make a series of announcements - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economy and climate issues - that Number 10 said would be a clear signal of his ongoing ambitions for the country .
But Number 10 has stressed the prime minister intends to continue to speak to the country .
That will continue with his remote appearance at Prime Minister 's Questions on Wednesday - the first time a prime minister will have ever answered questions in the House of Commons virtually .
On Tuesday morning , Mr Johnson chaired a remote cabinet meeting at which his senior ministers were updated on post-Brexit trade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prime minister admitted it was `` far from certain '' that an agreement with the EU would be possible and that `` time is now very short '' ahead of the end of the Brexit transition period on 31 December .

Boris Johnson has tested negative for coronavirus but will continue to self-isolate and answer this week's Prime Minister's Questions remotely, Number 10 has said.
Downing Street revealed the prime minister took a rapid turnaround lateral flow test as part of a pilot scheme for Number 10 staff.
"The prime minister took a test yesterday and that test was negative," Mr Johnson's official spokesman said.
"But he will, in accordance with the rules on self-isolation, continue to self-isolate."
Live updates on coronavirus from UK and around world
Image: Mr Johnson will take part in PMQs remotely
The prime minister will remain in self-isolation until 26 November.
He has been quarantining after meeting with a group of Conservative MPs - one of whom later tested positive for COVID-19.
Lateral flow tests, which use similar technology to a pregnancy test and have a turnaround time of under an hour, have been used in Liverpool as part of a mass testing trial.
Mr Johnson's spokesman said Number 10 is now among a number of other settings - including schools, universities and workplaces - to also pilot the tests.
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"In Number 10 we are taking part in a pilot where some staff have access to a lateral flow test if they wish to," the spokesman said, adding that the pilot scheme had been operating for around two weeks.
Mr Johnson's self-isolation has disturbed plans for a "reset" of his premiership, following the departure of his controversial chief adviser Dominic Cummings - as well as his director of communications Lee Cain - last week.
Mr Johnson had hoped to use the next couple of weeks to make a series of announcements - including on coronavirus, education, the economy and climate issues - that Number 10 said would be a clear signal of his ongoing ambitions for the country.
But Number 10 has stressed the prime minister intends to continue to speak to the country.
That will continue with his remote appearance at Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday - the first time a prime minister will have ever answered questions in the House of Commons virtually.
On Tuesday morning, Mr Johnson chaired a remote cabinet meeting at which his senior ministers were updated on post-Brexit trade negotiations.
At the meeting, the prime minister admitted it was "far from certain" that an agreement with the EU would be possible and that "time is now very short" ahead of the end of the Brexit transition period on 31 December.


skynewspolitics--2020-11-17--New petrol and diesel cars banned from sale after 2030 under PM's green plan

New petrol and diesel cars will be banned from sale after 2030 , the government has announced .
The ban had been planned for 2040 but has been brought forward under Boris Johnson 's 10-point plan to tackle climate change .
The plan also includes producing enough offshore wind to power every home , developing the first town heated entirely by hydrogen by the end of the decade , and developing the next generation of small and advanced nuclear reactors .
Currently fewer than 1 % of cars on UK roads are powered entirely by electricity , so the prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of new petrol and diesel cars will require an enormous investment in the infrastructure needed for electric vehicles .
Edmund King , president of the Automobile Association , told Sky News only about 6 % of local authorities have installed on-street charging facilities in residential areas .
Without a commitment to developing the right infrastructure , the plan was `` optimistic '' , he said .
`` Everyone wants to move to electric vehicles but you ca n't just pick a date out of the air .
We need better infrastructure particularly for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charge at home .
`` We also need a better supply of cars and they need to be affordable . ''
The prime minister claims that his plan for a green industrial revolution will create and support up to 250,000 British jobs .
The government says it will spend £12bn on the plan but analysts have told Sky News only £4bn of that is new money .
It includes £1.3bn to accelerate the roll-out of charge points for electric vehicles in homes , streets and on motorways across England .
Some £582m will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vehicles and nearly £500m is to be spent in the next four years on the development and mass production of electric vehicle batteries .
The prime minister said : `` Our green industrial revolution will be powered by the wind turbines of Scotland and the North East , propelled by the electric vehicles made in the Midlands and advanced by the latest technologies developed in Wales , so we can look ahead to a more prosperous , greener future . ''
Labour said the announcement fell short of what is required , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which advises the government how to get to net zero , has welcomed the plan .
Chris Stark , chief executive of the Committee on Climate Change , said the prime minister 's plan was `` a bold statement of ambition '' but added : `` What 's missing is the road map to achieving it . ''
The 10 points in the plan are : • Offshore wind : Harnessing enough offshore wind to power every home , quadrupling production to 40GW by 2030 , supporting up to 60,000 jobs • Hydrogen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ production capacity by 2030 and developing the first town heated entirely by hydrogen by the end of the decade • Nuclear : Promoting nuclear as a clean energy source and developing the next generation of small and advanced reactors , which could support 10,000 jobs • Electric vehicles : Accelerating the transition to electric vehicles , and transforming infrastructure to support electric vehicles • Public transport , cycling and walking : Making cycling and walking more attractive and investing in zero-emission public transport • Jet Zero and greener maritime : Supporting research projects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and public buildings : Making buildings greener , warmer and more energy efficient , creating 50,000 jobs by 2030 , and installing 600,000 heat pumps every year by 2028 • Carbon capture : Technology to capture and store harmful emissions away from the atmosphere , removing 10MT of carbon dioxide by 2030 , equivalent to all emissions of the industrial Humber today • Nature : Protecting and restoring the natural environment , planting 30,000 hectares of trees every year , creating and retaining thousands of jobs • Innovation and finance : Developing technologies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City of London the global centre of green finance The UK is due to host the United Nations Climate Change Conference ( COP26 ) in a year 's time and the country is aiming to bring all greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050 .

New petrol and diesel cars will be banned from sale after 2030, the government has announced.
The ban had been planned for 2040 but has been brought forward under Boris Johnson's 10-point plan to tackle climate change.
The plan also includes producing enough offshore wind to power every home, developing the first town heated entirely by hydrogen by the end of the decade, and developing the next generation of small and advanced nuclear reactors.
Scroll down to see the full 10-point plan
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:35 Alok Sharma says that the cost of electric vehicles is coming down.
Currently fewer than 1% of cars on UK roads are powered entirely by electricity, so the prime minister's plan to end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars will require an enormous investment in the infrastructure needed for electric vehicles.
Edmund King, president of the Automobile Association, told Sky News only about 6% of local authorities have installed on-street charging facilities in residential areas.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:42 People in Manchester react to PM's green plan
Without a commitment to developing the right infrastructure, the plan was "optimistic", he said.
"Everyone wants to move to electric vehicles but you can't just pick a date out of the air. We need better infrastructure particularly for the third of people who can't charge at home.
"We also need a better supply of cars and they need to be affordable."
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:26 Lisa Holland looks at the PM's wind power ambition
The prime minister claims that his plan for a green industrial revolution will create and support up to 250,000 British jobs.
The government says it will spend £12bn on the plan but analysts have told Sky News only £4bn of that is new money.
It includes £1.3bn to accelerate the roll-out of charge points for electric vehicles in homes, streets and on motorways across England.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:14 Driverless boats could clean up the ocean
Some £582m will help people afford zero or ultra-low emission vehicles and nearly £500m is to be spent in the next four years on the development and mass production of electric vehicle batteries.
The prime minister said: "Our green industrial revolution will be powered by the wind turbines of Scotland and the North East, propelled by the electric vehicles made in the Midlands and advanced by the latest technologies developed in Wales, so we can look ahead to a more prosperous, greener future."
And Business Secretary Alok Sharma told Sky News' Kay Burley: "This is a package which is part of turbocharging the green industrial revolution, levelling up across our country.
"It is £12bn of public money which will then leverage in three times as much from the private sector and, of course, support and create high-value added jobs - around 250,000 jobs by 2030.
"If you look at the UK, we are a leader when it comes to green growth.
"Since 1990 we have managed to grow our economy by 75% and at the same time cut our emissions by 43%, so we are world-leading in this area."
Labour said the announcement fell short of what is required, but the independent Committee on Climate Change, which advises the government how to get to net zero, has welcomed the plan.
Chris Stark, chief executive of the Committee on Climate Change, said the prime minister's plan was "a bold statement of ambition" but added: "What's missing is the road map to achieving it."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:02 Climate: September was hottest on record
The 10 points in the plan are:
Offshore wind : Harnessing enough offshore wind to power every home, quadrupling production to 40GW by 2030, supporting up to 60,000 jobs
: Harnessing enough offshore wind to power every home, quadrupling production to 40GW by 2030, supporting up to 60,000 jobs Hydrogen : Generating 5GW of low carbon hydrogen production capacity by 2030 and developing the first town heated entirely by hydrogen by the end of the decade
: Generating 5GW of low carbon hydrogen production capacity by 2030 and developing the first town heated entirely by hydrogen by the end of the decade Nuclear : Promoting nuclear as a clean energy source and developing the next generation of small and advanced reactors, which could support 10,000 jobs
: Promoting nuclear as a clean energy source and developing the next generation of small and advanced reactors, which could support 10,000 jobs Electric vehicles : Accelerating the transition to electric vehicles, and transforming infrastructure to support electric vehicles
: Accelerating the transition to electric vehicles, and transforming infrastructure to support electric vehicles Public transport, cycling and walking : Making cycling and walking more attractive and investing in zero-emission public transport
: Making cycling and walking more attractive and investing in zero-emission public transport Jet Zero and greener maritime : Supporting research projects for zero-emission planes and ships
: Supporting research projects for zero-emission planes and ships Homes and public buildings : Making buildings greener, warmer and more energy efficient, creating 50,000 jobs by 2030, and installing 600,000 heat pumps every year by 2028
: Making buildings greener, warmer and more energy efficient, creating 50,000 jobs by 2030, and installing 600,000 heat pumps every year by 2028 Carbon capture : Technology to capture and store harmful emissions away from the atmosphere, removing 10MT of carbon dioxide by 2030, equivalent to all emissions of the industrial Humber today
: Technology to capture and store harmful emissions away from the atmosphere, removing 10MT of carbon dioxide by 2030, equivalent to all emissions of the industrial Humber today Nature : Protecting and restoring the natural environment, planting 30,000 hectares of trees every year, creating and retaining thousands of jobs
: Protecting and restoring the natural environment, planting 30,000 hectares of trees every year, creating and retaining thousands of jobs Innovation and finance: Developing technologies needed for the plan and making the City of London the global centre of green finance
The UK is due to host the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in a year's time.
The country is aiming to bring all greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050.
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Analysis: Britain faced two choices: Toughen its climate goals or get left behind
Transport accounts for around a third of the UK's emissions and so a compulsory switch to completely electric vehicles by 2030 instead of 2040 is huge.
It will put the UK ahead of France and Spain which ban them in 2040, but in line with Ireland and the Netherlands.
The only country with a more ambitious target is Norway which will ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars in 2025.
So while the stand out point in the plan by Boris Johnson is grabbing positive headlines, other countries are already making big strides to tackle the climate and propel green investment, and Britain risks getting left behind if it doesn't make bold pledges too.
The plan hits transport, energy, home insulation and technology but is weakest on nature-based solutions.
There's a lot riding on this - and not just the future of the planet.
The UK hosts the landmark COP26 climate conference next year in Glasgow, and Britain has to not only talk the talk but walk the walk on ditching high carbon activities.
Just a short time ago, it looked like Britain was the default global leader on climate change.
The prime minister's 10-point plan has been much anticipated but you do wonder if the climate promises of US President-elect Joe Biden focused minds at Number 10.
And the recent flush of enthusiasm to commit to net zero by China and a host of other nations means countries can't just lack drive but will get left behind or even out in the cold if they don't sign up to the club of climate ambition.
It's time for Britain to put its money where it's mouth is. But the 10-point plan sends the message the future is low carbon and the green snowball is on a roll.


skynewspolitics--2020-11-17--Eleven local authorities to be placed into Scotland's highest level of COVID restrictions

Eleven local authorities are to be placed into Scotland 's highest level of coronavirus restrictions .
The areas will enter Level 4 of the country 's COVID-19 measures for three weeks from 6pm on Friday , First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced during a statement in the Scottish parliament .
At the same time two areas , East Lothian and Midlothian , will move from Level 3 to the less stringent Level 2 from next Tuesday following a `` marked decline '' in the prevalence of coronavirus .
The Level 4 status for the 11 areas will be in force `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sturgeon said , with the hope that they will soon be able to move back down to Level 3 .
The Scottish first minister told MSPs the move was intended to be `` short and sharp '' and is `` specifically intended to have an impact in advance of Christmas and the most challenging winter period '' .
Ms Sturgeon said lifting the Level 4 restrictions ahead of Christmas and before the end of Hanukkah would allow a `` greater degree of freedom '' around celebrations .
`` We will assess nearer the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each area when the Level 4 restrictions end on 11 December , '' she added .
The first minister expressed her hope the affected areas would be able to move to Level 2 `` much more quickly than would otherwise be the case '' .
But she warned `` there are grounds for continued and significant concern '' in all 11 areas .
Level 4 restrictions mean restaurants , cafes , pubs , bars , non-essential shops and holiday accommodation will be closed , although takeaways can still operate as normal .
Indoor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ although outdoor gyms and outdoor non-contact sports can continue .
Residents will not be able to meet anyone from another household indoors in private homes , although they can meet indoors in a public place as long as they maintain social distancing .
Up to six people , from two different households , can meet in a public venue indoors and children under the age of 12 do not count towards the total number of people .
The same rule of six applies to two different households meeting outdoors , although those aged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of up to six are not subject to the two-household limit .
Acts of worship indoors are limited to a maximum of 20 people , as long as social distancing is maintained , while weddings must have a maximum capacity of 15 people - including the couple - and funerals can take place with a maximum of 20 guests .
Schools in Level 4 areas will remain open , but unnecessary travel outside of those areas should be avoided .
Ms Sturgeon said existing restrictions on household gatherings and hospitality that had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made a difference '' and had `` flattened incidence considerably '' .
She said Scotland had once been on track to see 3,000 new COVID-19 cases per day , which had been averted , but that `` the overall level of infection remains higher than we need it to be '' .
`` And the national picture is masking significant regional variation , '' she added .
There were 1,248 cases reported in Scotland on Tuesday , with the total number of deaths from COVID-19 in Scotland set to pass 5,000 this week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infections hit the UK this autumn , Ms Sturgeon announced the new five-tier system to replace previous restrictions last month and it came into force at the beginning of November .

Eleven local authorities are to be placed into Scotland's highest level of coronavirus restrictions.
The areas will enter Level 4 of the country's COVID-19 measures for three weeks from 6pm on Friday, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced during a statement in the Scottish parliament.
They are:
City of Glasgow
Renfrewshire
East Renfrewshire
East Dunbartonshire
West Dunbartonshire
North Lanarkshire
South Lanarkshire
East Ayrshire
South Ayrshire
Stirling
West Lothian
At the same time two areas, East Lothian and Midlothian, will move from Level 3 to the less stringent Level 2 from next Tuesday following a "marked decline" in the prevalence of coronavirus.
The Level 4 status for the 11 areas will be in force "for a limited time", Ms Sturgeon said, with the hope that they will soon be able to move back down to Level 3.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:38 Sturgeon on further restrictions in Scotland
The Scottish first minister told MSPs the move was intended to be "short and sharp" and is "specifically intended to have an impact in advance of Christmas and the most challenging winter period".
Ms Sturgeon said lifting the Level 4 restrictions ahead of Christmas and before the end of Hanukkah would allow a "greater degree of freedom" around celebrations.
"We will assess nearer the time the level that will apply in each area when the Level 4 restrictions end on 11 December," she added.
The first minister expressed her hope the affected areas would be able to move to Level 2 "much more quickly than would otherwise be the case".
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But she warned "there are grounds for continued and significant concern" in all 11 areas.
Image: The action is aimed at having an impact before Christmas
Level 4 restrictions mean restaurants, cafes, pubs, bars, non-essential shops and holiday accommodation will be closed, although takeaways can still operate as normal.
Indoor sports facilities will also be shut, although outdoor gyms and outdoor non-contact sports can continue.
Residents will not be able to meet anyone from another household indoors in private homes, although they can meet indoors in a public place as long as they maintain social distancing.
Up to six people, from two different households, can meet in a public venue indoors and children under the age of 12 do not count towards the total number of people.
The same rule of six applies to two different households meeting outdoors, although those aged between 12 and 17 meeting in groups of up to six are not subject to the two-household limit.
Acts of worship indoors are limited to a maximum of 20 people, as long as social distancing is maintained, while weddings must have a maximum capacity of 15 people - including the couple - and funerals can take place with a maximum of 20 guests.
Schools in Level 4 areas will remain open, but unnecessary travel outside of those areas should be avoided.
Ms Sturgeon said existing restrictions on household gatherings and hospitality that had been in place in recent weeks had "made a difference" and had "flattened incidence considerably".
She said Scotland had once been on track to see 3,000 new COVID-19 cases per day, which had been averted, but that "the overall level of infection remains higher than we need it to be".
"And the national picture is masking significant regional variation," she added.
There were 1,248 cases reported in Scotland on Tuesday, with the total number of deaths from COVID-19 in Scotland set to pass 5,000 this week.
Ms Sturgeon told MSPs this represented a "sombre and distressing milestone".
As the second wave of COVID-19 infections hit the UK this autumn, Ms Sturgeon announced the new five-tier system to replace previous restrictions last month and it came into force at the beginning of November.


skynewspolitics--2020-11-17--Peer quits after report finds he breached code of conduct

A peer , who allegedly exploited a vulnerable woman , has resigned after a House of Lords report found he breached the code of conduct .
Lord Nazir Ahmed quit as the House made its first ever recommendation for the expulsion of a peer .
The House said Lord Ahmed - who was made a life peer in 1998 - resigned after reading the contents of its conduct committee report .
Published on Tuesday , it found he breached the code of conduct `` by failing to act on his personal honour '' .
The full contents can not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigation centred on Lord Ahmed 's contact with a woman seeking his help in making a complaint to the Metropolitan Police over a faith healer she believed was exploiting men and women financially and sexually .
In a statement issued through his lawyers , the Rotherham-based peer said he would launch a challenge against the report .
He said : `` I am extremely disappointed by the report of the conduct committee which is based on a flawed and unfair investigation process .
`` I have always said , and maintain , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not true .
`` Given this I am now going to continue pursuing my appeal to the European Court of Human Rights to remedy this injustice . ''
Lord Ahmed appealed against the findings and the severity of the sanction .
But the conduct committee , chaired by former Supreme Court justice Lord Mance , dismissed the appeal and recommended his expulsion .
The report will go to the House for approval on Thursday .
Lord Ahmed , a property developer , joined the Labour Party in his teens - but resigned in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party .

A peer, who allegedly exploited a vulnerable woman, has resigned after a House of Lords report found he breached the code of conduct.
Lord Nazir Ahmed quit as the House made its first ever recommendation for the expulsion of a peer.
The House said Lord Ahmed - who was made a life peer in 1998 - resigned after reading the contents of its conduct committee report.
Published on Tuesday, it found he breached the code of conduct "by failing to act on his personal honour".
Image: The peer resigned after reading the House of Lords' report
The full contents cannot be revealed for legal reasons, but an investigation centred on Lord Ahmed's contact with a woman seeking his help in making a complaint to the Metropolitan Police over a faith healer she believed was exploiting men and women financially and sexually.
In a statement issued through his lawyers, the Rotherham-based peer said he would launch a challenge against the report.
He said: "I am extremely disappointed by the report of the conduct committee which is based on a flawed and unfair investigation process.
"I have always said, and maintain, that the allegations contained in the report are not true.
"Given this I am now going to continue pursuing my appeal to the European Court of Human Rights to remedy this injustice."
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Lord Ahmed appealed against the findings and the severity of the sanction.
But the conduct committee, chaired by former Supreme Court justice Lord Mance, dismissed the appeal and recommended his expulsion.
The report will go to the House for approval on Thursday.
Lord Ahmed, a property developer, joined the Labour Party in his teens - but resigned in 2013 after he was suspended by the party.


skynewspolitics--2020-11-18--Corbyn still can't sit as Labour MP after 'undermining' antisemitism fight

Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn will not have the party 's whip restored , his successor Sir Keir Starmer has announced .
It means that Mr Corbyn will still not officially be a Labour MP , despite his suspension as a party member having been lifted by a disciplinary panel on Tuesday evening .
In a statement on Wednesday , Sir Keir said that Labour 's disciplinary process `` does not have the confidence of the Jewish community '' , adding : `` That became clear once again yesterday . ''
He reiterated his intent to establish a new independent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' and revealed that Mr Corbyn would not yet be readmitted as a Labour MP .
The Islington North MP had been suspended by Labour several weeks ago following his response to a damning report by the Equalities and Human Rights Commission ( EHRC ) .
`` I 'm the leader of the Labour Party , but I 'm also the leader of the Parliamentary Labour Party , '' Sir Keir said .
`` Jeremy Corbyn 's actions in response to the EHRC report undermined and set back our work in restoring trust @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ability to tackle antisemitism .
`` In those circumstances , I have taken the decision not to restore the whip to Jeremy Corbyn .
I will keep this situation under review . ''
The EHRC 's report was critical of the party 's handling of antisemitism complaints under Mr Corbyn 's leadership .
But , immediately after the report 's publication last month , Mr Corbyn claimed `` the scale of the problem '' of Labour antisemitism allegations was `` dramatically overstated for political reasons by our opponents '' .
He also said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EHRC report 's findings in comments that prompted his suspension .
Mr Corbyn subsequently sought to clarify his remarks and a five-member disciplinary panel of Labour 's National Executive Committee decided that he should be reinstated on Tuesday .
But Sir Keir faced pressure from angry MPs not to allow Mr Corbyn back into the parliamentary party .
Senior Labour MP Dame Margaret Hodge had posted on Twitter on Tuesday : `` I simply can not comprehend why it is acceptable for Corbyn to be a Labour MP if he thinks antisemitism is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to apologise , never takes responsibility for his actions & rejects the findings of the EHRC report .
Ridiculous . ''
Dame Margaret said on Wednesday that it was the `` right decision '' to continue to withhold the Labour whip from Mr Corbyn .
Sir Keir 's statement on Wednesday came less than an hour before he was due to appear in the House of Commons for Prime Minister 's Questions .
Fiona Sharpe , spokesperson for the Labour Against Antisemitism group , said : `` The decision to continue to withhold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ welcome gesture .
`` However , it must not be used to obscure the disgraceful events of the last 24 hours or the calamity of institutional antisemitism in the Labour Party .
`` Having announced that his leadership signalled new management of the Labour Party , Keir Starmer 's authority has been completely undermined by the lifting of Mr Corbyn 's suspension yesterday .
`` Less than three weeks on from the publication of the damning EHRC report into anti-Jewish racism in the Labour Party , the Jewish community has again been ignored @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complaints process is introduced , and all historical cases of antisemitism from 2015 onwards are reviewed in full , the Labour Party will not be a safe space for British Jews . ''

Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn will not have the party's whip restored, his successor Sir Keir Starmer has announced.
It means that Mr Corbyn will still not officially be a Labour MP, despite his suspension as a party member having been lifted by a disciplinary panel on Tuesday evening.
In a statement on Wednesday, Sir Keir said that Labour's disciplinary process "does not have the confidence of the Jewish community", adding: "That became clear once again yesterday."
He reiterated his intent to establish a new independent disciplinary process "as soon as possible" and revealed that Mr Corbyn would not yet be readmitted as a Labour MP.
Image: Sir Keir Starmer has continued to withold the Labour whip from Mr Corbyn
The Islington North MP had been suspended by Labour several weeks ago following his response to a damning report by the Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC).
"I'm the leader of the Labour Party, but I'm also the leader of the Parliamentary Labour Party," Sir Keir said.
"Jeremy Corbyn's actions in response to the EHRC report undermined and set back our work in restoring trust and confidence in the Labour Party's ability to tackle antisemitism.
"In those circumstances, I have taken the decision not to restore the whip to Jeremy Corbyn. I will keep this situation under review."
The EHRC's report was critical of the party's handling of antisemitism complaints under Mr Corbyn's leadership.
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But, immediately after the report's publication last month, Mr Corbyn claimed "the scale of the problem" of Labour antisemitism allegations was "dramatically overstated for political reasons by our opponents".
He also said he did not accept all of the EHRC report's findings in comments that prompted his suspension.
Mr Corbyn subsequently sought to clarify his remarks and a five-member disciplinary panel of Labour's National Executive Committee decided that he should be reinstated on Tuesday.
But Sir Keir faced pressure from angry MPs not to allow Mr Corbyn back into the parliamentary party.
Senior Labour MP Dame Margaret Hodge had posted on Twitter on Tuesday: "I simply cannot comprehend why it is acceptable for Corbyn to be a Labour MP if he thinks antisemitism is exaggerated and a political attack, refuses to apologise, never takes responsibility for his actions & rejects the findings of the EHRC report. Ridiculous."
Dame Margaret said on Wednesday that it was the "right decision" to continue to withhold the Labour whip from Mr Corbyn.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:24 29 October - Corbyn responds to Labour suspension
Sir Keir's statement on Wednesday came less than an hour before he was due to appear in the House of Commons for Prime Minister's Questions.
Fiona Sharpe, spokesperson for the Labour Against Antisemitism group, said: "The decision to continue to withhold the whip from Jeremy Corbyn is a welcome gesture.
"However, it must not be used to obscure the disgraceful events of the last 24 hours or the calamity of institutional antisemitism in the Labour Party.
"Having announced that his leadership signalled new management of the Labour Party, Keir Starmer's authority has been completely undermined by the lifting of Mr Corbyn's suspension yesterday.
"Less than three weeks on from the publication of the damning EHRC report into anti-Jewish racism in the Labour Party, the Jewish community has again been ignored and failed.
"Until an independent complaints process is introduced, and all historical cases of antisemitism from 2015 onwards are reviewed in full, the Labour Party will not be a safe space for British Jews."


skynewspolitics--2020-11-17--PM to face Starmer via video for first time as Speaker rules: "It's better than no questions!"

Boris Johnson 's virtual appearance at Prime Minister 's Questions is a `` second best '' option but the country can not afford for him to skip it , the Commons speaker has told Sky News .
Sir Lindsay Hoyle said he agreed for the session to go ahead via videolink because `` it 's better than having no questions '' during such an important time .
This unprecedented moment will see the prime minister speaking via videolink rather than at the despatch box , after Mr Johnson went into isolation on Sunday .
Frontbenchers can speak in urgent questions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the speaker .
Speaking exclusively to Sky News , Sir Lindsay said it was important to keep the weekly clash with Sir Keir Starmer in the diary even though it can not take place face to face - his preferred format .
When Sir Keir was self-isolating , he sent deputy Angela Rayner in his place to take Prime Minister 's Questions .
Sir Lindsay said : `` Of course it 's always second best .
I love the eyeball to eyeball .
`` I love the excitement of the chamber , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The fact is , to miss PMQs would be the deficit I do n't believe we can afford .
Of course it 's not the preference , it 's certainly second best , but it still goes ahead - that 's what matters . ''
Sir Lindsay revealed the Commons managed `` literally overnight '' to achieve what it failed to do for 800 years and modernise , adding technology is keeping things `` on the road '' .
He was speaking after a virtual meeting with US Congress speaker Nancy Pelosi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president-elect Joe Biden to Britain .
Sir Lindsay 's predecessor , John Bercow , famously vetoed Donald Trump addressing the Commons on the outgoing president 's state visit to the UK in June 2019 .
In a bid to boost cross-Atlantic ties , Sir Lindsay sent Ms Pelosi an illuminated scroll , commemorating the arrival in Massachusetts in 1620 of the pilgrim settlers who set sail on the Mayflower ship from the UK .
And he revealed he stayed up every night to watch the US election results from when polls closed until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I was enthralled .
I could n't give it up , '' he said .
Sir Lindsay teased the US about being unable to announce a result on election night .
`` The other thing I 'd say is at least with our [ election ] we can get it over and done with in the night .
`` The fact is three nights and I 'm still glued to the television .
It means a lot to me .
I love elections .
I like a result a little bit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He added : `` We are two great countries with history that can not be separated and I think that 's what 's so important to our special relationship .
`` It is very , very special .
It 's so important to me that we do keep close links .
The excitement of today - the way everybody joined it .
Was something special .
We 're two separate continents yet joined as one . ''

Boris Johnson's virtual appearance at Prime Minister's Questions is a "second best" option but the country cannot afford for him to skip it, the Commons speaker has told Sky News.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle said he agreed for the session to go ahead via videolink because "it's better than having no questions" during such an important time.
This unprecedented moment will see the prime minister speaking via videolink rather than at the despatch box, after Mr Johnson went into isolation on Sunday.
Frontbenchers can speak in urgent questions and statements virtually with the permission of the speaker.
Image: Boris Johnson is self-isolating after being in contact with an MP who caught COVID-19
Speaking exclusively to Sky News, Sir Lindsay said it was important to keep the weekly clash with Sir Keir Starmer in the diary even though it cannot take place face to face - his preferred format.
When Sir Keir was self-isolating, he sent deputy Angela Rayner in his place to take Prime Minister's Questions.
Sir Lindsay said: "Of course it's always second best. I love the eyeball to eyeball.
"I love the excitement of the chamber, I love the power of the chamber.
"The fact is, to miss PMQs would be the deficit I don't believe we can afford. Of course it's not the preference, it's certainly second best, but it still goes ahead - that's what matters."
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Image: The PM will not appear in the chamber to answer questions as he did last week
Sir Lindsay revealed the Commons managed "literally overnight" to achieve what it failed to do for 800 years and modernise, adding technology is keeping things "on the road".
He was speaking after a virtual meeting with US Congress speaker Nancy Pelosi, in which he invited her and president-elect Joe Biden to Britain.
Sir Lindsay's predecessor, John Bercow, famously vetoed Donald Trump addressing the Commons on the outgoing president's state visit to the UK in June 2019.
In a bid to boost cross-Atlantic ties, Sir Lindsay sent Ms Pelosi an illuminated scroll, commemorating the arrival in Massachusetts in 1620 of the pilgrim settlers who set sail on the Mayflower ship from the UK.
Image: The Speaker talked with Nancy Pelosi via videolink. Pic: UK Parliament
And he revealed he stayed up every night to watch the US election results from when polls closed until the result was projected four days later.
"I was enthralled. I couldn't give it up," he said.
Image: Sir Lindsay Hoyle sent a scroll commemorating The Mayflower's trip . Pic: UK Parliament
Sir Lindsay teased the US about being unable to announce a result on election night.
"The other thing I'd say is at least with our [election] we can get it over and done with in the night.
"The fact is three nights and I'm still glued to the television. It means a lot to me. I love elections. I like a result a little bit quicker than this one."
:: Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
He added: "We are two great countries with history that cannot be separated and I think that's what's so important to our special relationship.
"It is very, very special. It's so important to me that we do keep close links. The excitement of today - the way everybody joined it. Was something special. We're two separate continents yet joined as one."


skynewspolitics--2020-11-17--New petrol and diesel cars banned from sale after 2030 under PM's 10-point green plan

New petrol and diesel cars will be banned from sale after 2030 , the government has announced .
The ban had been planned for 2040 but has been brought forward under Boris Johnson 's 10-point plan to tackle climate change .
The plan also includes producing enough offshore wind to power every home , developing the first town heated entirely by hydrogen by the end of the decade , and developing the next generation of small and advanced nuclear reactors .
Scroll down to see the full 10-point plan Currently fewer than 1 % of cars on UK roads are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prime minister 's plan to end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars will require an enormous investment in the infrastructure needed for electric vehicles .
Edmund King , president of the Automobile Association , told Sky News only about 6 % of local authorities have installed on-street charging facilities in residential areas .
Without a commitment to developing the right infrastructure , the plan was `` optimistic '' , he said .
`` Everyone wants to move to electric vehicles but you ca n't just pick a date out of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the third of people who ca n't charge at home .
`` We also need a better supply of cars and they need to be affordable . ''
The prime minister claims that his plan for a green industrial revolution will create and support up to 250,000 British jobs .
The government says it will spend £12bn on the plan but analysts have told Sky News only £4bn of that is new money .
It includes £1.3bn to accelerate the roll-out of charge points for electric vehicles in homes , streets and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will help people afford zero or ultra-low emission vehicles and nearly £500m is to be spent in the next four years on the development and mass production of electric vehicle batteries .
The prime minister said : `` Our green industrial revolution will be powered by the wind turbines of Scotland and the North East , propelled by the electric vehicles made in the Midlands and advanced by the latest technologies developed in Wales , so we can look ahead to a more prosperous , greener future . ''
And Business Secretary Alok @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` This is a package which is part of turbocharging the green industrial revolution , levelling up across our country .
`` It is £12bn of public money which will then leverage in three times as much from the private sector and , of course , support and create high-value added jobs - around 250,000 jobs by 2030 .
`` If you look at the UK , we are a leader when it comes to green growth .
`` Since 1990 we have managed to grow our economy by 75 % and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by 43 % , so we are world-leading in this area . ''
Labour said the announcement fell short of what is required , but the independent Committee on Climate Change , which advises the government how to get to net zero , has welcomed the plan .
Chris Stark , chief executive of the Committee on Climate Change , said the prime minister 's plan was `` a bold statement of ambition '' but added : `` What 's missing is the road map to achieving it . ''
The 10 points @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wind : Harnessing enough offshore wind to power every home , quadrupling production to 40GW by 2030 , supporting up to 60,000 jobs • Hydrogen : Generating 5GW of low carbon hydrogen production capacity by 2030 and developing the first town heated entirely by hydrogen by the end of the decade • Nuclear : Promoting nuclear as a clean energy source and developing the next generation of small and advanced reactors , which could support 10,000 jobs • Electric vehicles : Accelerating the transition to electric vehicles , and transforming infrastructure to support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and walking : Making cycling and walking more attractive and investing in zero-emission public transport • Jet Zero and greener maritime : Supporting research projects for zero-emission planes and ships • Homes and public buildings : Making buildings greener , warmer and more energy efficient , creating 50,000 jobs by 2030 , and installing 600,000 heat pumps every year by 2028 • Carbon capture : Technology to capture and store harmful emissions away from the atmosphere , removing 10MT of carbon dioxide by 2030 , equivalent to all emissions of the industrial Humber @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the natural environment , planting 30,000 hectares of trees every year , creating and retaining thousands of jobs • Innovation and finance : Developing technologies needed for the plan and making the City of London the global centre of green finance The UK is due to host the United Nations Climate Change Conference ( COP26 ) in a year 's time .
The country is aiming to bring all greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050. : : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Toughen its climate goals or get left behind Transport accounts for around a third of the UK 's emissions and so a compulsory switch to completely electric vehicles by 2030 instead of 2040 is huge .
It will put the UK ahead of France and Spain which ban them in 2040 , but in line with Ireland and the Netherlands .
The only country with a more ambitious target is Norway which will ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars in 2025 .
So while the stand out point in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive headlines , other countries are already making big strides to tackle the climate and propel green investment , and Britain risks getting left behind if it does n't make bold pledges too .
The plan hits transport , energy , home insulation and technology but is weakest on nature-based solutions .
There 's a lot riding on this - and not just the future of the planet .
The UK hosts the landmark COP26 climate conference next year in Glasgow , and Britain has to not only talk the talk but walk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Just a short time ago , it looked like Britain was the default global leader on climate change .
The prime minister 's 10-point plan has been much anticipated but you do wonder if the climate promises of US President-elect Joe Biden focused minds at Number 10 .
And the recent flush of enthusiasm to commit to net zero by China and a host of other nations means countries ca n't just lack drive but will get left behind or even out in the cold if they do n't sign up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's time for Britain to put its money where it 's mouth is .
But the 10-point plan sends the message the future is low carbon and the green snowball is on a roll .


skynewspolitics--2020-11-18--Corbyn allies' fury as Starmer refuses to restore Labour whip to former leader

30 Labour MPs have demanded that Jeremy Corbyn be allowed to rejoin them , as the threat of another civil war loomed .
The former Labour leader was told on Wednesday morning that he wo n't have the whip restored , despite his suspension from the party being lifted by a disciplinary panel .
It means that Mr Corbyn is still not officially a Labour MP and will continue to sit as an independent in the House of Commons - even though he has been reinstated as a party member .
Current leader Sir Keir Starmer said he would continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because his predecessor had `` undermined '' the party 's efforts to restore confidence in its ability to tackle antisemitism .
It follows Mr Corbyn 's response last month to a damning report by the Equalities and Human Rights Commission ( EHRC ) into Labour 's handling of antisemitism claims under his leadership .
Those Labour MPs supportive of Mr Corbyn have been left angered by Sir Keir 's action .
30 of them and two peers from the Socialist Campaign Group branded his decision `` wrong and damaging '' .
In a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This decision and the division it causes severely undermines efforts to unite to defeat antisemitism and fully implement the EHRC recommendations and to challenge and defeat this disastrous Conservative government . ''
John McDonnell , Mr Corbyn 's long-time ally and Labour 's former shadow chancellor , added the decision to continue to withhold the whip was `` just plain wrong & will cause more division and disunity '' .
`` Jeremy 's gone through the formal procedures & decision has been made properly , '' he wrote on Twitter .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time to move on & start working together to implement the EHRC . ''
Diane Abbott , Labour 's former shadow home secretary , tweeted : `` Labour MPs lose the whip if suspended from the party automatically .
`` De facto you ca n't be a Labour MP if you 're not actually in the Labour Party .
`` But removing the whip from Jeremy Corbyn now raises serious questions of due process . ''
And Richard Burgon , another who served in Mr Corbyn 's shadow cabinet , said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Labour Party .
`` That decision must be respected & implemented across the Labour Party .
`` Jeremy should immediately have the whip restored .
At a time of national crisis , division in the Labour party serves nobody but the Tory Gov't . ''
Meanwhile , the Momentum group - who supported Mr Corbyn during both his Labour leadership campaigns - branded Sir Keir 's decision `` a joke '' .
`` A disciplinary panel found that Corbyn broke no rules - so now Starmer is making it up as he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ account tweeted .
Momentum also urged supporters to sign a petition , which soon attracted more than 1,500 signatures , calling for Mr Corbyn to have the whip restored .
Jon Lansman , the founder of Momentum , accused Sir Keir of having `` driven a coach and horses through the party 's disciplinary process , making it subservient to the parliamentary party and embedding 'political interference ' '' .
And Len McCluskey , leader of the Unite union , added it was `` vindictive and vengeful action which despoils party democracy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the unanimous decision of the NEC panel yesterday '' .
However , other Labour politicians voiced their support for Sir Keir 's decision .
Dame Margaret Hodge , who Sir Keir spoke to on Tuesday night , said : `` As Corbyn has refused to himself accept the findings of the EHRC report , refused to apologise for his actions and refused to take any responsibility , withholding the whip is the right decision . ''
Neil Coyle said that continuing to withhold the whip from Mr Corbyn was the `` only option @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was established .
The president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews , Marie van der Zyl , said Labour 's disciplinary process was `` clearly still not fit for purpose '' but Sir Keir had `` taken the appropriate leadership decision not to restore the whip to Jeremy Corbyn '' .
Sir Keir has left the door open for Mr Corbyn to rejoin the Parliamentary Labour Party by saying the situation would be kept `` under review '' .
But his spokesman would not detail any of the steps needed for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not going to pre-empt any of that , '' the spokesman said , when asked if a clear retraction and an apology by Mr Corbyn would be sufficient .

30 Labour MPs have demanded that Jeremy Corbyn be allowed to rejoin them, as the threat of another civil war loomed.
The former Labour leader was told on Wednesday morning that he won't have the whip restored, despite his suspension from the party being lifted by a disciplinary panel.
It means that Mr Corbyn is still not officially a Labour MP and will continue to sit as an independent in the House of Commons - even though he has been reinstated as a party member.
Current leader Sir Keir Starmer said he would continue to withhold the whip from Mr Corbyn because his predecessor had "undermined" the party's efforts to restore confidence in its ability to tackle antisemitism.
Image: Ex-shadow chancellor John McDonnell said the decision was 'just plain wrong'
It follows Mr Corbyn's response last month to a damning report by the Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) into Labour's handling of antisemitism claims under his leadership.
Those Labour MPs supportive of Mr Corbyn have been left angered by Sir Keir's action.
30 of them and two peers from the Socialist Campaign Group branded his decision "wrong and damaging".
In a statement, they said collectively: "This decision and the division it causes severely undermines efforts to unite to defeat antisemitism and fully implement the EHRC recommendations and to challenge and defeat this disastrous Conservative government."
John McDonnell, Mr Corbyn's long-time ally and Labour's former shadow chancellor, added the decision to continue to withhold the whip was "just plain wrong & will cause more division and disunity".
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"Jeremy's gone through the formal procedures & decision has been made properly," he wrote on Twitter.
"I appeal to everyone that surely it's time to move on & start working together to implement the EHRC."
Diane Abbott, Labour's former shadow home secretary, tweeted: "Labour MPs lose the whip if suspended from the party automatically.
"De facto you can't be a Labour MP if you're not actually in the Labour Party.
"But removing the whip from Jeremy Corbyn now raises serious questions of due process."
Image: Sir Keir Starmer said Mr Corbyn had 'undermined' Labour's efforts
And Richard Burgon, another who served in Mr Corbyn's shadow cabinet, said: "Jeremy Corbyn has rightly been reinstated to the Labour Party.
"That decision must be respected & implemented across the Labour Party.
"Jeremy should immediately have the whip restored. At a time of national crisis, division in the Labour party serves nobody but the Tory Gov't."
Meanwhile, the Momentum group - who supported Mr Corbyn during both his Labour leadership campaigns - branded Sir Keir's decision "a joke".
"A disciplinary panel found that Corbyn broke no rules - so now Starmer is making it up as he goes along," their official Twitter account tweeted.
Momentum also urged supporters to sign a petition, which soon attracted more than 1,500 signatures, calling for Mr Corbyn to have the whip restored.
Jon Lansman, the founder of Momentum, accused Sir Keir of having "driven a coach and horses through the party's disciplinary process, making it subservient to the parliamentary party and embedding 'political interference'".
And Len McCluskey, leader of the Unite union, added it was "vindictive and vengeful action which despoils party democracy and due process alike and amounts to overruling the unanimous decision of the NEC panel yesterday".
However, other Labour politicians voiced their support for Sir Keir's decision.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:24 29 October - Corbyn responds to Labour suspension
Dame Margaret Hodge, who Sir Keir spoke to on Tuesday night, said: "As Corbyn has refused to himself accept the findings of the EHRC report, refused to apologise for his actions and refused to take any responsibility, withholding the whip is the right decision."
Neil Coyle said that continuing to withhold the whip from Mr Corbyn was the "only option" until a new independent complaints process was established.
The president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, Marie van der Zyl, said Labour's disciplinary process was "clearly still not fit for purpose" but Sir Keir had "taken the appropriate leadership decision not to restore the whip to Jeremy Corbyn".
Sir Keir has left the door open for Mr Corbyn to rejoin the Parliamentary Labour Party by saying the situation would be kept "under review".
But his spokesman would not detail any of the steps needed for him to rejoin.
"I'm not going to pre-empt any of that," the spokesman said, when asked if a clear retraction and an apology by Mr Corbyn would be sufficient.


skynewspolitics--2020-11-18--Self-isolating Johnson not held back by virtual PMQs - but still gets told off

History has been made as Boris Johnson answered Prime Minister 's Questions virtually from Downing Street , unable to be physically present in parliament for what was meant to be his big government reset week .
Just four days into self-isolation due to coming into close contact with a Tory MP who caught coronavirus , he appeared in front of a branded silver screen from the office in his flat above Number 10 .
The space is only accessed by Mr Johnson and able to be used because the building is a `` working house '' , his spokesman said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MPs , Mr Johnson put a spin on the usual reply rattled off at every PMQs in response to the first question asking the prime minister to list their engagements that day .
`` This morning I had virtual meetings ... in addition to my virtual meetings in this House I will have further such virtual meetings later today , '' the Conservative leader said with a slight smile .
But usual business quickly got under way , with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer appearing in-person at the despatch box to direct pointed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opposite - above Jacob Rees-Mogg 's head .
Twice he challenged Mr Johnson for reportedly branding devolution in Scotland a `` disaster '' - something Downing Street has not denied .
Neither did the prime minister , but he twisted it into an attack on the Scottish National Party , who he said had been a `` disaster '' for pursuing independence and not focusing on important policies like crime and education .
He was criticised by Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle for calling them the `` Scottish Nationalist Party '' , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson applying some ad hoc retorts .
`` I 'm so sorry , they 're national but not nationalists , I see , '' the prime minister nodded , again with a slight grin .
But Sir Lindsay signalled he was not letting things get out of order even if the PM was n't present for a reprimanding , telling him : `` We can play pedantics another time .
It 's not a ruling , it 's a matter of fact . ''
When the stream cut back to Mr Johnson , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Labour 's position on Scottish independence , challenging Sir Keir to say whether he backed it or not .
`` Of course I do n't want the break of the union , but if anything is fuelling that breakup it 's the prime minister , '' the Labour leader retorted .
He continued to press the prime minister on government COVID contracts found to have gone to firms with political connections and call for people forced into self-isolation to get more financial support .
And while Mr Johnson reeled off the packages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had all cards he would have held if his government reboot had gone ahead more smoothly in the wake of Dominic Cummings and another aide leaving .
Hours later , the new face of Number 10 's TV news conference - former journalist Allegra Stratton - gave her first briefing to reporters over the phone .
And in a marked change from some Downing Street figures ' comments , she poured praise on the media , saying they had played a `` good and powerful role during the pandemic so far '' .

History has been made as Boris Johnson answered Prime Minister's Questions virtually from Downing Street, unable to be physically present in parliament for what was meant to be his big government reset week.
Just four days into self-isolation due to coming into close contact with a Tory MP who caught coronavirus, he appeared in front of a branded silver screen from the office in his flat above Number 10.
The space is only accessed by Mr Johnson and able to be used because the building is a "working house", his spokesman said afterwards.
Image: MPs must social distance when they are in the Commons chamber
Addressing the chamber of socially-distanced MPs, Mr Johnson put a spin on the usual reply rattled off at every PMQs in response to the first question asking the prime minister to list their engagements that day.
"This morning I had virtual meetings... in addition to my virtual meetings in this House I will have further such virtual meetings later today," the Conservative leader said with a slight smile.
But usual business quickly got under way, with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer appearing in-person at the despatch box to direct pointed attacks at the screen on the wall opposite - above Jacob Rees-Mogg's head.
Twice he challenged Mr Johnson for reportedly branding devolution in Scotland a "disaster" - something Downing Street has not denied.
Image: The PM did not hold back from his usual ad hoc flourishes
Neither did the prime minister, but he twisted it into an attack on the Scottish National Party, who he said had been a "disaster" for pursuing independence and not focusing on important policies like crime and education.
He was criticised by Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle for calling them the "Scottish Nationalist Party", but the technology seemed no barrier to Mr Johnson applying some ad hoc retorts.
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Image: Sir Keir Starmer raised devolution, COVID contracts and isolation pay
"I'm so sorry, they're national but not nationalists, I see," the prime minister nodded, again with a slight grin.
But Sir Lindsay signalled he was not letting things get out of order even if the PM wasn't present for a reprimanding, telling him: "We can play pedantics another time. It's not a ruling, it's a matter of fact."
When the stream cut back to Mr Johnson, he was quick to shine a light on Labour's position on Scottish independence, challenging Sir Keir to say whether he backed it or not.
"Of course I don't want the break of the union, but if anything is fuelling that breakup it's the prime minister," the Labour leader retorted.
Image: Jacob Rees-Mogg sat at the despatch box for the government during PMQs
He continued to press the prime minister on government COVID contracts found to have gone to firms with political connections and call for people forced into self-isolation to get more financial support.
And while Mr Johnson reeled off the packages already available, he may not have had all cards he would have held if his government reboot had gone ahead more smoothly in the wake of Dominic Cummings and another aide leaving.
Hours later, the new face of Number 10's TV news conference - former journalist Allegra Stratton - gave her first briefing to reporters over the phone.
And in a marked change from some Downing Street figures' comments, she poured praise on the media, saying they had played a "good and powerful role during the pandemic so far".


skynewspolitics--2020-11-18--'Chance to end era of retreat': PM to unveil biggest defence investment since Cold War

Boris Johnson will announce the biggest investment in defence since the Cold War , saying the UK has a chance to end an `` era of retreat '' with a new space command , cyber force and artificial intelligence agency .
The £16.5bn in extra money over four years is not enough to fill a funding gap in the military 's budget , but is far more than defence chiefs had thought they would receive , given financial constraints on the Treasury because of coronavirus .
The prime minister will tell MPs the move is set to generate 10,000 jobs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US that the UK is a reliable partner .
`` I have taken this decision in the teeth of the pandemic because the defence of the realm must come first , '' he said in a statement ahead of the announcement .
`` The international situation is more perilous and more intensely competitive than at any time since the Cold War and Britain must be true to our history and stand alongside our allies .
To achieve this we need to upgrade our capabilities across the board .
`` This is our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , transform our armed forces , bolster our global influence , unite and level up our country , pioneer new technology and defend our people and way of life . ''
Washington , Paris and other capitals have been waiting for weeks to learn the outcome of elongated discussions between the Ministry of Defence ( MoD ) , the prime minister 's office and the Treasury about whether defence will receive a multi-year settlement - even as other departments are only expected to be given a single-year budget .
Tobias Ellwood , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the news would not be lost on the incoming administration of US president-elect Joe Biden .
: : Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' This was a pivotal moment for us to decide where we want to go , who we want to be , '' Mr Ellwood said .
However the new funding announcement comes without the full weight of what had been billed as a sweeping review of foreign , defence and security policy .
The Integrated Review was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ global priorities , an assessment of the security risks and how it is adapting to meet them .
Instead the full conclusions have been delayed until the New Year .
The prime minister is expected to confirm the creation of a National Cyber Force , which is a partnership between the military and the spy agency GCHQ .
In reality , it has existed for the last couple of years but this will be the first time it has officially been avowed .
The force has the ability to launch offensive cyber attacks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in cyber space - seen as an increasingly critical domain of conflict between states .
Another new domain , along with the traditional ones of land , sea and air , is space .
Mr Johnson will unveil a new `` Space Command '' , which the government said would be `` capable of launching our first rocket by 2022 '' .
In addition , a new Artificial Intelligence agency will be created to focus on the fast-moving advances in that area .
It is thought this agency will be part of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Sport .
`` This is excellent news for defence , and provides us with the financial certainty we need to modernise , plan for the future and adapt to the threats we face , '' he said .
Tough decisions will still need to be made to make the books balance despite the uplift .
Ageing equipment , including a number of tanks and other armoured vehicles , look set to be retired as well as some of the Royal Navy 's older frigates .
Much of the new money will still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ existing programmes , including the nuclear deterrent .
Analysts also expressed concern about whether there might be a raid on the overseas aid budget to help fund the splurge on defence .
The government is thought to be considering temporarily reducing a commitment to spend 0.7 % of national income on overseas aid .

Boris Johnson will announce the biggest investment in defence since the Cold War, saying the UK has a chance to end an "era of retreat" with a new space command, cyber force and artificial intelligence agency.
The £16.5bn in extra money over four years is not enough to fill a funding gap in the military's budget, but is far more than defence chiefs had thought they would receive, given financial constraints on the Treasury because of coronavirus.
The prime minister will tell MPs the move is set to generate 10,000 jobs a year and demonstrate to allies like the US that the UK is a reliable partner.
If spread evenly over four years, the spending boost equates to about a 10% annual increase in the defence budget, which stands at more than £40bn.
Image: Boris Johnson is also due to announce a new space command
"I have taken this decision in the teeth of the pandemic because the defence of the realm must come first," Mr Johnson said in a statement ahead of the announcement.
"The international situation is more perilous and more intensely competitive than at any time since the Cold War and Britain must be true to our history and stand alongside our allies. To achieve this we need to upgrade our capabilities across the board.
"This is our chance to end the era of retreat, transform our armed forces, bolster our global influence, unite and level up our country, pioneer new technology and defend our people and way of life."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:16 Wallace: '16.5bn is enough' for armed forces
Washington, Paris and other capitals have been waiting for weeks to learn the outcome of elongated discussions between the Ministry of Defence (MoD), the prime minister's office and the Treasury about whether defence will receive a multi-year settlement - even as other departments are only expected to be given a single-year budget.
Tobias Ellwood, a former defence and foreign office minister, said the news would not be lost on the incoming administration of US president-elect Joe Biden.
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"This was a pivotal moment for us to decide where we want to go, who we want to be," Mr Ellwood said.
However the new funding announcement comes without the full weight of what had been billed as a sweeping review of foreign, defence and security policy.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:07 Defence sec on new space budget
The Integrated Review was meant to set out the UK's global priorities, an assessment of the security risks and how it is adapting to meet them.
Instead the full conclusions have been delayed until the New Year.
The prime minister is expected to confirm the creation of a National Cyber Force, which is a partnership between the military and the spy agency GCHQ.
In reality, it has existed for the last couple of years but this will be the first time it has officially been avowed.
The force has the ability to launch offensive cyber attacks as well as defend against hostile action in cyber space - seen as an increasingly critical domain of conflict between states.
Image: Spy agency GCHQ and the military are set to work together on a new cyber force
Another new domain, along with the traditional ones of land, sea and air, is space.
Mr Johnson will unveil a new "Space Command", which the government said would be "capable of launching our first rocket by 2022".
In addition, a new Artificial Intelligence agency will be created to focus on the fast-moving advances in that area. It is thought this agency will be part of the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
Ben Wallace, the defence secretary, welcomed the spending decision and said there would actually now be a £24bn boost to defence spending - when the extra money is added to the Conservatives' election commitment to increase the budget by at least 0.5% above inflation every year.
"This means that we can have a proper discussion about what are our global ambitions, and how we are going to fund it," he told Sky News' Kay Burley.
"This very large settlement for defence will allow us to fix the problems we've inherited... and allow headspace to modernise our forces."
Image: Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has welcomed the spending decision
Tough decisions will still need to be made to make the books balance despite the uplift.
Ageing equipment, including a number of tanks and other armoured vehicles, look set to be retired as well as some of the Royal Navy's older frigates.
Much of the new money will still need to be absorbed by expensive, existing programmes, including the nuclear deterrent.
Analysts also expressed concern about whether there might be a raid on the overseas aid budget to help fund the splurge on defence.
The government is thought to be considering temporarily reducing a commitment to spend 0.7% of national income on overseas aid.
Mr Wallace told Sky News that "the actual decisions on the numbers" behind the boost to defence spending would be revealed by Chancellor Rishi Sunak at next week's spending review.


skynewspolitics--2020-11-18--PM told not to let 'theological' climate concerns sink pre-Xmas Australia trade deal

Britain and Australia share an `` eagerness '' to sign a trade deal before Christmas - but Boris Johnson has been warned not to let `` theological '' climate concerns sink the chances of an agreement .
Former Australian prime minister Tony Abbott , who is now an adviser to the UK 's Board of Trade , called on British and Australian negotiators to `` put all their cards on the table '' and soon get a deal `` hammered out '' .
Following the UK 's departure from the EU , both countries have begun formal trade talks this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both sides there is an eagerness to try to get the Australia deal done before Christmas , '' Mr Abbott told the House of Commons ' International Trade Committee on Wednesday .
`` I hope that in the next negotiating session both sides are prepared to put all their cards on the table so that the best possible deal can be hammered out .
`` Ideally a deal between Britain and Australia would involve no tariffs , no quotas , as full as possible mutual recognition of standards and qualifications , and as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well-paid work , not welfare . ''
However , he cautioned against allowing concerns over environmental standards from preventing an agreement .
`` Obviously the environment is incredibly important , '' Mr Abbott said .
`` As I have said time and time again , we 've only got one planet and we ca n't ravage it .
`` Our obligation , each generation , is to pass on our planet to our children and grandchildren . ''
But he added : `` I just think that if you try to do everything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end up doing nothing . ''
Mr Abbott suggested there were `` other forums '' - such as the COP26 climate summit in Scotland next year - for pursuing climate initiatives .
`` I 'm sure that Boris Johnson and ( current Australian prime minister ) Scott Morrison will have all sorts of discussions in and around the COP and I 'm confident we are going to be steadily reducing our emissions , '' he told MPs .
`` What you do n't want to do though is avoid doing a deal with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relatively theological point . ''
Mr Abbott 's comments came on the same day the prime minister unveiled a 10-point plan to tackle climate change .
The ex-Australian leader 's appointment as a UK government trade adviser earlier this year prompted controversy due to his allegedly homophobic and sexist comments in the past .
He told the committee there had been no formal process of appointment to the unpaid role .
`` I received a phone call one evening from the Secretary of State ( for International Trade ) Liz Truss , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'we are going to reconstitute the Board of Trade , including a number of the advisers .
Would you be prepared to be one of the advisers ? '
`` I said , ' I 'd love to be considered , I am happy to help as far as I am able ' . ''

Britain and Australia share an "eagerness" to sign a trade deal before Christmas - but Boris Johnson has been warned not to let "theological" climate concerns sink the chances of an agreement.
Former Australian prime minister Tony Abbott, who is now an adviser to the UK's Board of Trade, called on British and Australian negotiators to "put all their cards on the table" and soon get a deal "hammered out".
Following the UK's departure from the EU, both countries have begun formal trade talks this year.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:27 What does Carrie think of Tony Abbott?- 'Pass...'
"I know that on both sides there is an eagerness to try to get the Australia deal done before Christmas," Mr Abbott told the House of Commons' International Trade Committee on Wednesday.
"I hope that in the next negotiating session both sides are prepared to put all their cards on the table so that the best possible deal can be hammered out.
"Ideally a deal between Britain and Australia would involve no tariffs, no quotas, as full as possible mutual recognition of standards and qualifications, and as free as possible movement of people for well-paid work, not welfare."
However, he cautioned against allowing concerns over environmental standards from preventing an agreement.
"Obviously the environment is incredibly important," Mr Abbott said.
"As I have said time and time again, we've only got one planet and we can't ravage it.
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"Our obligation, each generation, is to pass on our planet to our children and grandchildren."
But he added: "I just think that if you try to do everything in a trade deal, you'll end up doing nothing."
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
Mr Abbott suggested there were "other forums" - such as the COP26 climate summit in Scotland next year - for pursuing climate initiatives.
"I'm sure that Boris Johnson and (current Australian prime minister) Scott Morrison will have all sorts of discussions in and around the COP and I'm confident we are going to be steadily reducing our emissions," he told MPs.
"What you don't want to do though is avoid doing a deal with Australia over something which might be a relatively theological point."
Mr Abbott's comments came on the same day the prime minister unveiled a 10-point plan to tackle climate change.
The ex-Australian leader's appointment as a UK government trade adviser earlier this year prompted controversy due to his allegedly homophobic and sexist comments in the past.
He told the committee there had been no formal process of appointment to the unpaid role.
"I received a phone call one evening from the Secretary of State (for International Trade) Liz Truss," he said.
"She said, 'we are going to reconstitute the Board of Trade, including a number of the advisers. Would you be prepared to be one of the advisers?'
"I said, 'I'd love to be considered, I am happy to help as far as I am able'."


skynewspolitics--2020-11-19--A family Christmas? Festive COVID rules to be made public 'next week'

Rules on whether coronavirus restrictions will be eased so families can meet at Christmas will be revealed next week , the government has said .
A spokesperson for the prime minister said : `` We obviously keep the case numbers under review and we will continue to do so going into next week when we will set out more details of the next phase , post-2 December . ''
The spokesman added : `` We will set out our plans next week . ''
Earlier , one cabinet minister told Sky News the plan for Christmas would be made public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
England 's second national lockdown is due to end on 2 December , with the government having promised another tiered system of rules - depending on local infection rates - to replace it .
The UK government and the devolved administrations in Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland are also in talks over what COVID-19 measures should be in place over Christmas .
Scotland 's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the chief medical officers of all four UK nations have been asked to compile a proposal for how the easing of some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that does not lead to increased loss of life and increased harm to health over the January period '' .
She told MSPs a `` concrete '' plan for gatherings to take place at Christmas could be revealed `` in the coming days '' .
Recent reports have suggested there could be a special easing of restrictions over the festive period in order to allow families to get together .
Asked by Sky News ' Kay Burley how many family members would be allowed to gather around a Christmas dinner table , Defence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a family , I would like to know that , and I think that 's why over the next few days the government will set out those details . ''
However , the minister also suggested Britons may have to wait until the end of the current lockdown to find out more details about Christmas .
Mr Wallace said that - due to the lag time between lockdown measures being introduced and a slowing of COVID-19 infections - ministers would know more about the impact of England 's new shutdown `` as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` As we get towards 2 December , the government will therefore set out all those different issues , '' he added .
`` We will go into a tiering system .
`` I think our aims are all the same , we would like to see our families at Christmas , we would like to mix with each other as much as possible .
`` But also we have to remember this an incredibly infectious and nasty disease and there are lots of people , I 'm afraid , still dying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Pressed again on what rules on different households mixing might be in place for Christmas , Mr Wallace said : `` We will be able to tell you that when we get towards 2 December .
`` When we know at that stage how many people in the country are affected , what the space is in our hospitals , how the rollout of vaccines is going to develop .
`` We will know that with much more certainty around 2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the middle of November .
`` I ca n't give you lots of those answers , there 's lots of speculation . ''
On Wednesday , scientists suggested that each day 's easing of coronavirus restrictions over Christmas might require five days of tougher measures to make up for it .
And speaking to Sky News ' Kay Burley this morning , former Labour prime minister Gordon Brown said : `` I found being prime minister , you have to be two steps ahead of events .
`` What he 's got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say 'Look , if there 's any doubt about whether we can let people mix at Christmas , we have to act now .
`` We have to act with tough measures now .
You have to be two steps ahead as PM , you ca n't be behind the curve .
`` And we tend to do things at the last minute when we should have acted sooner . ''
Yesterday , the prime minister 's spokesman said he has a `` clear intent to allow families to spend Christmas together '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a normal '' one .
Dr Hans Kluge , the World Health Organisation 's ( WHO ) regional director for Europe , said this year 's festive season will be `` a different Christmas but that does not mean it can not be a merry one '' .
He said that during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan , community-based groups formed safe solutions of breaking their fast , which involved celebrating virtually or delivering meals to homes for `` distance celebrations '' , while a `` virtual Diwali '' - the Hindu @ @ @ @ @ @ @ events across Europe for `` short , safe revelries '' .
Speaking at a news briefing on Thursday , Dr Kluge said : `` Cherish the festive season with those close to you .
If it 's a large gathering of vulnerable people , you may postpone that gathering until you can safely gather .
Despite the cold , if local restrictions permit , gather outside with loved ones for picnics in the park . ''

Rules on whether coronavirus restrictions will be eased so families can meet at Christmas will be revealed next week, Downing Street has said.
England's second national lockdown is due to end on 2 December, with the government having promised another tiered system of rules - depending on local infection rates - to replace it.
The UK government and the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are also in talks over what COVID-19 measures should be in place over Christmas.
Recent reports have suggested there could be a special easing of restrictions over the festive period in order to allow families to get together.
Live coronavirus updates from the UK and around the world
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:23 COVID-19: Xmas plans to be announced in days
A Number 10 spokesman said on Thursday: "We obviously keep the case numbers under review and we will continue to do so going into next week when we will set out more details of the next phase, post-December 2."
The spokesman also pointed to Prime Minister Boris Johnson's view that "whilst Christmas will be a little bit different from normal this year, we continue to hope to ensure that families can spend Christmas together".
"We will set out our plans next week," the spokesman added.
Meanwhile, Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said on Thursday the chief medical officers of all four UK nations have been asked to make plans for how the easing of some restrictions would work "in a way that does not lead to increased loss of life and increased harm to health over the January period".
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She said a "concrete" proposal for gatherings to take place at Christmas could be revealed "in the coming days".
"I would hope... we could share that with the public over the course of next week," Ms Sturgeon added.
Earlier, one cabinet minister told Sky News the plan for Christmas would be made public in "the next few days".
Asked by Sky News' Kay Burley how many family members would be allowed to gather around a Christmas dinner table, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: "I have a family, I would like to know that, and I think that's why over the next few days the government will set out those details."
However, the minister also suggested Britons may have to wait until the end of the current lockdown to find out more details about Christmas.
Mr Wallace said that - due to the lag time between lockdown measures being introduced and a slowing of COVID-19 infections - ministers would know more about the impact of England's new shutdown "as we get closer towards 2 December".
"As we get towards 2 December, the government will therefore set out all those different issues," he added.
"We will go into a tiering system.
"I think our aims are all the same, we would like to see our families at Christmas, we would like to mix with each other as much as possible.
"But also we have to remember this an incredibly infectious and nasty disease and there are lots of people, I'm afraid, still dying of COVID."
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
Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Pressed again on what rules on different households mixing might be in place for Christmas, Mr Wallace said: "We will be able to tell you that when we get towards 2 December.
"When we know at that stage how many people in the country are affected, what the space is in our hospitals, how the rollout of vaccines is going to develop.
"We will know that with much more certainty around 2 December than if you ask me today in the middle of November.
"I can't give you lots of those answers, there's lots of speculation."
Scientists have suggested that each day's easing of coronavirus restrictions over Christmas might require five days of tougher measures to make up for it.
And speaking to Sky News' Kay Burley, former Labour prime minister Gordon Brown said: "I found being prime minister, you have to be two steps ahead of events.
"What he's got to do, Boris Johnson, is say 'Look, if there's any doubt about whether we can let people mix at Christmas, we have to act now.
"We have to act with tough measures now. You have to be two steps ahead as PM, you can't be behind the curve.
"And we tend to do things at the last minute when we should have acted sooner."
Dr Hans Kluge, the World Health Organisation's (WHO) regional director for Europe, said this year's festive season will be "a different Christmas but that does not mean it cannot be a merry one".
He said that during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, community-based groups formed safe solutions for breaking their fast, which involved celebrating virtually or delivering meals to homes for "distance celebrations", while a "virtual Diwali" - the Hindu festival of light - involved free online events across Europe for "short, safe revelries".
Speaking at a news briefing on Thursday, Dr Kluge said: "Cherish the festive season with those close to you.
"If it's a large gathering of vulnerable people, you may postpone that gathering until you can safely gather.
"Despite the cold, if local restrictions permit, gather outside with loved ones for picnics in the park."


skynewspolitics--2020-11-19--Ex-PM Brown says Corbyn 'must make full apology' before returning as Labour MP

Jeremy Corbyn needs to make a `` full apology '' in order to be readmitted as a Labour MP , former prime minister Gordon Brown has told Sky News .
Another bitter internal battle has broken out within Labour after Mr Corbyn was told on Wednesday that he wo n't have the party 's whip restored .
This was despite his suspension as a Labour Party member - prompted by his reaction to a damning antisemitism report - being lifted by a disciplinary panel earlier in the week .
The decision by current Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer to continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ means Mr Corbyn is still not officially a Labour MP .
He will continue to sit as an independent in the House of Commons , even though he has been reinstated as a party member .
Mr Brown - who led Labour between 2007 and 2010 - said Mr Corbyn needed to show contrition in order to get the Labour whip back .
`` He 's got to make a full apology and it 's got to be clear there are no ifs , no buts , no qualifications about his opposition to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Keir Starmer will , I think , insist on that and that 's the right thing to do .
`` I 'm sure mistakes have been made along the way , I 'm sure he has n't intended these consequences - Jeremy Corbyn himself .
`` But you ca n't allow any impression that even one case of antisemitism in the Labour Party is acceptable .
`` None are acceptable , no forms of racism , no forms of discrimination , we 've got to root it out once and for all .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Corbyn needed to include , Mr Brown added : `` He 's got to say ' I 've got it wrong ' .
`` He 's got to say ' I made a mistake ' , he 's got to say 'whatever people think , I am not antisemitic in any way and when I made these mistakes , I now want to apologise for them ' . ''
On Wednesday night , 30 Labour MPs demanded Mr Corbyn be allowed to rejoin the parliamentary party and branded Sir Keir 's action `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Unite general secretary Len McCluskey claimed there had been a `` witchhunt '' of Mr Corbyn , a close ally of his .
`` Keir seems to have disregarded process and stepped in with this extraordinary decision , '' the trade union leader said on Thursday .
`` It looks to me very much like a witchhunt and persecution of a decent man .
`` People can disagree with Corbyn on a whole host of things , but I think most people regard him as a decent , honest individual .
`` And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way is not the Labour Party way of doing things .
`` I would appeal to Keir to try and resolve this , the British public do not like a divided party . ''
Mr Corbyn had the Labour whip withdrawn , and was initially suspended from the party , after last month claiming `` the scale of the problem '' of Labour antisemitism allegations was `` dramatically overstated for political reasons by our opponents '' .
He also said he did not accept all of the findings of the Equalities and Human @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of antisemism cases under his leadership .
In a statement posted on his Facebook page on Tuesday and also provided to the party itself , Mr Corbyn said he wanted to `` clear up any confusion about what I had meant '' .
`` I regret the pain this issue has caused the Jewish community and would wish to do nothing that would exacerbate or prolong it , '' he said .
`` To be clear , concerns about antisemitism are neither 'exaggerated ' nor 'overstated ' .
`` The point I wished @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Labour Party members were and remain committed anti-racists deeply opposed to antisemitism .
`` I fully support Keir Starmer 's decision to accept all the EHRC recommendations in full and , in accordance with my own lifelong convictions , will do what I can to help the party move on , united against antisemitism which has been responsible for so many of history 's greatest crimes against humanity . ''
However , this clarifying statement did not offer an apology for , or retraction of , his remarks on the day of @ @ @ @ @ @

Jeremy Corbyn needs to make a "full apology" in order to be readmitted as a Labour MP, former prime minister Gordon Brown has told Sky News.
Another bitter internal battle has broken out within Labour after Mr Corbyn was told on Wednesday that he won't have the party's whip restored.
This was despite his suspension as a Labour Party member - prompted by his reaction to a damning antisemitism report - being lifted by a disciplinary panel earlier in the week.
Image: Jeremy Corbyn has been told he won't have the Labour whip restored
The decision by current Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer to continue withholding the Labour whip from his predecessor means Mr Corbyn is still not officially a Labour MP.
He will continue to sit as an independent in the House of Commons, even though he has been reinstated as a party member.
Mr Brown - who led Labour between 2007 and 2010 - said Mr Corbyn needed to show contrition in order to get the Labour whip back.
"He's got to make a full apology and it's got to be clear there are no ifs, no buts, no qualifications about his opposition to antisemitism," he said.
"Keir Starmer will, I think, insist on that and that's the right thing to do.
"I'm sure mistakes have been made along the way, I'm sure he hasn't intended these consequences - Jeremy Corbyn himself.
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"But you can't allow any impression that even one case of antisemitism in the Labour Party is acceptable.
"None are acceptable, no forms of racism, no forms of discrimination, we've got to root it out once and for all."
Asked what an apology from Mr Corbyn needed to include, Mr Brown added: "He's got to say 'I've got it wrong'.
"He's got to say 'I made a mistake', he's got to say 'whatever people think, I am not antisemitic in any way and when I made these mistakes, I now want to apologise for them'."
On Wednesday night, 30 Labour MPs demanded Mr Corbyn be allowed to rejoin the parliamentary party and branded Sir Keir's action "wrong and damaging".
Meanwhile, Unite general secretary Len McCluskey claimed there had been a "witchhunt" of Mr Corbyn, a close ally of his.
"Keir seems to have disregarded process and stepped in with this extraordinary decision," the trade union leader said on Thursday.
"It looks to me very much like a witchhunt and persecution of a decent man.
"People can disagree with Corbyn on a whole host of things, but I think most people regard him as a decent, honest individual.
"And to be persecuted and witchunted in this way is not the Labour Party way of doing things.
"I would appeal to Keir to try and resolve this, the British public do not like a divided party."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:36 October: 'I don't want a split in the Labour Party'
Mr Corbyn had the Labour whip withdrawn, and was initially suspended from the party, after last month claiming "the scale of the problem" of Labour antisemitism allegations was "dramatically overstated for political reasons by our opponents".
He also said he did not accept all of the findings of the Equalities and Human Rights Commission report into Labour's handling of antisemism cases under his leadership.
In a statement posted on his Facebook page on Tuesday and also provided to the party itself, Mr Corbyn said he wanted to "clear up any confusion about what I had meant".
"I regret the pain this issue has caused the Jewish community and would wish to do nothing that would exacerbate or prolong it," he said.
"To be clear, concerns about antisemitism are neither 'exaggerated' nor 'overstated'.
"The point I wished to make was that the vast majority of Labour Party members were and remain committed anti-racists deeply opposed to antisemitism.
"I fully support Keir Starmer's decision to accept all the EHRC recommendations in full and, in accordance with my own lifelong convictions, will do what I can to help the party move on, united against antisemitism which has been responsible for so many of history's greatest crimes against humanity."
However, this clarifying statement did not offer an apology for, or retraction of, his remarks on the day of the EHRC report's publication.