skynewspolitics--2020-10-04--Home secretary promises 'biggest overhaul of asylum system in decades'

The home secretary has promised to deliver the `` biggest overhaul of our asylum system in decades '' , with legislation to be brought forward next year .
Speaking at the Conservative Party 's virtual conference , Priti Patel described the current system as `` broken '' and vowed to replace it with one that is `` firm and fair '' .
She said that those who defended the current system - `` the traffickers , the do-gooders , the leftie lawyers , the Labour Party '' are `` defending the indefensible '' .
But Labour 's shadow home secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talk about a broken immigration system , but they have been in power for a decade and are the political party that broke it .
`` Recent experience suggests they have not learned any lessons at all , with unconscionable , absurd proposals about floating walls and creating waves in the English Channel to push back boats and sending people thousands of miles away to process claims .
`` The truth is the Tories are devoid of compassion and competence . ''
More than 6,000 migrants have arrived in the UK on small @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show , despite the government previously promising to make the route from France to England `` unviable '' .
In her speech , the home secretary accused government opponents of propagating a `` false narrative that Conservatives do not have a proud history of providing a safe haven to those most in need '' .
She said that under Conservative leadership , the UK `` has and always will provide sanctuary when the lights are being switched off on people 's liberties '' .
`` A fair asylum system should provide a safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or tyranny , '' Ms Patel said .
`` But ours does n't .
Because our asylum system is fundamentally broken .
And we have a responsibility to act . ''
The home secretary said the new system would be `` fair and compassionate towards those who need our help '' and `` fair by welcoming people through safe and legal routes '' .
But she said it would be `` firm '' in stopping the `` abuse of the broken system '' , such as people who `` come here illegally making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speeding up the `` removal of those who have no claim for protection '' .
`` After decades of inaction by successive governments we will address the moral , legal and practical problems with the asylum system .
Because what exists now is neither firm nor fair , '' Ms Patel continued .
`` And I will bring forward legislation to deliver on that commitment next year .
`` I will take every necessary step to fix this broken system , amounting to the biggest overhaul of our asylum system in decades .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ I will not be complicit in an international criminal trade in asylum seekers , elbowing the most vulnerable to the side .
`` Reform the system , prosecute the criminals , protect the vulnerable - that is what a firm , but fair asylum system should look like , and that is what I intend to deliver . ''
The home secretary acknowledged that such an overhaul `` will take time '' and pledged to `` accelerate '' the government 's response to illegal migration in the meantime .
Ms Patel also said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criticism and controversy , saying : `` No doubt those who are well-rehearsed in how to play and profit from the broken system will lecture us on their grand theories about human rights . ''
But she made clear her determination to stand firm , adding : `` If at times it means being unpopular on Twitter .
I will bear it .
`` If at times it means Tony Blair 's spin doctor mocking my accent .
So be it , '' she said , referring to an Alastair Campbell tweet mocking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her Gs .
: : Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' And if at times it means Labour Members of Parliament attempting to silence me because I do not conform to their idea of what an ethnic minority woman should stand for .
I will stomach it .
`` Because as Conservatives , we do not measure the depth of our compassion in two hundred and eighty characters on Twitter , but in the actions we take and the choices we make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ civil servant said earlier this week that `` everything is on the table '' when it comes to `` improving '' the UK 's asylum system .
Appearing in front of MPs on the Commons Public Accounts Committee , permanent secretary Matthew Rycroft repeatedly refused to deny reports that the government has considered sending asylum seekers to isolated islands 4,000 miles from the UK while their applications are processed .
He also refused to answer direct questions on whether disused ferries could be turned into processing centres .

The home secretary has promised to deliver the "biggest overhaul of our asylum system in decades", with legislation to be brought forward next year.
Speaking at the Conservative Party's virtual conference, Priti Patel described the current system as "broken" and vowed to replace it with one that is "firm and fair".
She said that those who defended the current system - "the traffickers, the do-gooders, the leftie lawyers, the Labour Party" are "defending the indefensible".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:19 August: How do we deal with Channel migrants?
But Labour's shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds said: "The Tories talk about a broken immigration system, but they have been in power for a decade and are the political party that broke it.
"Recent experience suggests they have not learned any lessons at all, with unconscionable, absurd proposals about floating walls and creating waves in the English Channel to push back boats and sending people thousands of miles away to process claims.
"The truth is the Tories are devoid of compassion and competence."
More than 6,000 migrants have arrived in the UK on small boats so far this year, figures show, despite the government previously promising to make the route from France to England "unviable".
In her speech, the home secretary accused government opponents of propagating a "false narrative that Conservatives do not have a proud history of providing a safe haven to those most in need".
She said that under Conservative leadership, the UK "has and always will provide sanctuary when the lights are being switched off on people's liberties".
Advertisement
"A fair asylum system should provide a safe haven to those fleeing persecution, oppression or tyranny," Ms Patel said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:29 August: Sky News witnesses four boats in the Channel
"But ours doesn't. Because our asylum system is fundamentally broken. And we have a responsibility to act."
The home secretary said the new system would be "fair and compassionate towards those who need our help" and "fair by welcoming people through safe and legal routes".
But she said it would be "firm" in stopping the "abuse of the broken system", such as people who "come here illegally making endless legal claims to remain" and speeding up the "removal of those who have no claim for protection".
"After decades of inaction by successive governments we will address the moral, legal and practical problems with the asylum system. Because what exists now is neither firm nor fair," Ms Patel continued.
"And I will bring forward legislation to deliver on that commitment next year.
"I will take every necessary step to fix this broken system, amounting to the biggest overhaul of our asylum system in decades."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:38 September: Anti-migrant protests take place in Dover
The home secretary added: "I will not be complicit in an international criminal trade in asylum seekers, elbowing the most vulnerable to the side.
"Reform the system, prosecute the criminals, protect the vulnerable - that is what a firm, but fair asylum system should look like, and that is what I intend to deliver."
The home secretary acknowledged that such an overhaul "will take time" and pledged to "accelerate" the government's response to illegal migration in the meantime.
Ms Patel also said she recognised that the plans would provoke criticism and controversy, saying: "No doubt those who are well-rehearsed in how to play and profit from the broken system will lecture us on their grand theories about human rights."
But she made clear her determination to stand firm, adding: "If at times it means being unpopular on Twitter. I will bear it.
"If at times it means Tony Blair's spin doctor mocking my accent. So be it," she said, referring to an Alastair Campbell tweet mocking her Essex accent and penchant for dropping her Gs.
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 Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"And if at times it means Labour Members of Parliament attempting to silence me because I do not conform to their idea of what an ethnic minority woman should stand for. I will stomach it.
"Because as Conservatives, we do not measure the depth of our compassion in two hundred and eighty characters on Twitter, but in the actions we take and the choices we make."
The Home Office's top civil servant said earlier this week that "everything is on the table" when it comes to "improving" the UK's asylum system.
Appearing in front of MPs on the Commons Public Accounts Committee, permanent secretary Matthew Rycroft repeatedly refused to deny reports that the government has considered sending asylum seekers to isolated islands 4,000 miles from the UK while their applications are processed.
He also refused to answer direct questions on whether disused ferries could be turned into processing centres.


skynewspolitics--2020-10-05--PM unable to say how many people weren't traced due to 16,000 missed COVID cases

Boris Johnson has been unable to say how many people were n't traced by the NHS Test and Trace scheme as a result of 16,000 positive coronavirus cases being missed .
An `` IT failure '' within Public Health England - reported to be a problem with an Excel spreadsheet reaching its maximum size - has been blamed by ministers for a delay in the reporting of 15,841 COVID-19 cases in England .
It means the total number of coronavirus infections reported over the coming days will include some additional cases from between 25 September and 2 October .
Live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ updates The prime minister was quizzed about the glitch on Monday , with Labour having accused the government of overseeing a `` shambolic '' system .
Mr Johnson did not give an answer when asked how many people were n't traced , but who should have been , by NHS Test and Trace due to the delay in reporting the infections .
`` I ca n't give you those figures , '' he said .
`` What I can say is all those people are obviously being contacted and the key thing is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or generally - should self-isolate .
`` That 's the way to make it work . ''
The prime minister said a successful use of the NHS Test and Trace scheme should create a `` fire break '' around an incidence of infection and `` helps us fight the virus '' .
Referring to the technology error , Mr Johnson claimed that `` some of the data got truncated '' and `` was lost '' .
According to the Press Association , the master Excel spreadsheet reached its maximum capacity so could not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that `` rapid mitigation '' measures have been put in place to make sure it does not happen again .
Mr Johnson added : `` What they have done now is not only contacted all the people who were identified as having the disease - that was done in the first place - but they are now working through all the contacts as well . ''
Following the addition of the new COVID-19 cases to England 's figures , the weekly rate of infections has soared in dozens of areas .
Earlier on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coffey was asked whether others might have been infected with COVID-19 due to the NHS Test and Trace scheme not being aware of the nearly 16,000 cases '' There may well be , '' she told Sky News .
`` I 've been made aware that probably the majority of that [ contact-tracing ] has happened in the latest element of the week , in the last couple of days .
`` So it 's important that we act quickly , and PHE is acting quickly , to see whether or not people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I do recognise that not quite everybody going through the regime will be identified by the test and trace regime to undertake that further self-isolation . ''
Asked whether the government would be issuing an apology over the issue , Ms Coffey pointed towards Health Secretary Matt Hancock 's expected appearance in the House of Commons later on Monday .
In an earlier broadcast interview , Ms Coffey was unable to say how many close contacts of coronavirus cases were not contacted because of the system failure .
`` I 'm afraid I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' she told BBC Breakfast .
Asked if they have now been contacted , she said : `` I know that people who had the initial results have all been contacted , I do n't know the answer to that question . ''
: : Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Labour MP Bridget Phillipson , the shadow chief secretary to the Treasury , accused ministers of overseeing a `` shambolic '' system .
`` Test , trace and isolate just is n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Fellow Labour frontbencher Lucy Powell , the Manchester Central MP and a shadow business minister , said it was `` very concerning '' that infection rates had been revised upwards in Greater Manchester following the discovery of the computer glitch .
`` Local understanding of what lies behind this increase is critical before we see ever more stringent restrictions imposed on us , '' she posted on Twitter .
`` We 've already been living under local restrictions longer ( over 2 months ) than most places . ''
Public Health England @ @ @ @ @ @ @ received their test results and those who tested positive were advised to self-isolate .
Joint medical director Dr Susan Hopkins told Sky News : `` There 's no delay in people receiving their test results .
`` The delays are in reporting to the dashboard and to the public and there 's been a delay in contact tracing initiation .
`` Public Health England apologise that this occurred and have put in place steps to prevent this happening again . ''

Almost half of the nearly 16,000 people with coronavirus missed by the Test and Trace system still have not had their contacts traced, the health secretary has admitted.
An "IT failure" within Public Health England - a problem with an Excel spreadsheet reaching its maximum size - has been blamed by ministers for a delay in the reporting of 15,841 COVID-19 cases in England.
Downing Street revealed extra contact tracers had now been drafted in to help track down the contacts of people whose positive tests went unreported between 25 September to 2 October.
Live coverage of the latest coronavirus news and updates
Matt Hancock said the situation was "ongoing" but that the government's assessment of the pandemic had "not substantially changed".
The health secretary also told the Commons that just over half - 51% - of the missing cases have been contacted for a second time over the weekend to have their contacts traced, meaning 49% - equal to some 7,762 people - have not.
The government later clarified that Mr Hancock's "ongoing" comment did not mean some positive cases are still not being counted but that work is continuing to contact those missed.
Meanwhile, a Whitehall investigation has been launched to discover why the missed cases were not identified sooner.
But the prime minister was said to still have full confidence in Baroness Harding, the head of the NHS Test and Trace programme.
He was quizzed about the glitch on Monday, with Labour having accused the government of overseeing a "shambolic" system.
Mr Johnson did not give an answer when asked how many people weren't traced, but who should have been, by NHS Test and Trace due to the delay in reporting the infections.
"I can't give you those figures," he said.
"What I can say is all those people are obviously being contacted and the key thing is that everybody - whether in this group or generally - should self-isolate.
"That's the way to make it work."
The prime minister said a successful use of the NHS Test and Trace scheme should create a "fire break" around an incidence of infection and "helps us fight the virus".
Breakdown of missing cases Missing cases Original figure Actual total 25 September 957 6,874 7,831 26 September 744 6,042 6,786 27 September 757 5,693 6,450 28 September 0 4,044 4,044 29 September 1,415 7,143 8,558 30 September 3,049 7,108 10,157 01 October 4,133 6,914 11,047 02 October 4,786 6,968 11,754
Referring to the technology error, Mr Johnson claimed that "some of the data got truncated" and "was lost".
The master Excel spreadsheet reached its maximum capacity so could not keep adding further cases.
Officials said that "rapid mitigation" measures have been put in place to make sure it does not happen again.
Mr Johnson added: "What they have done now is not only contacted all the people who were identified as having the disease - that was done in the first place - but they are now working through all the contacts as well."
After the prime minister spoke to reporters on a visit to a sustainable power firm in London, Downing Street clarified that those self-isolating at the request of the NHS Test and Trace scheme would receive a one-off payment of £500, rather than the £500 per week that Mr Johnson had said during the visit.
Following the addition of the new COVID-19 cases to England's figures, the weekly rate of infections has soared in dozens of areas.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:49 Therese Coffey on 16,000 missed COVID cases
Earlier on Monday, Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey was asked whether others might have been infected with COVID-19 due to the NHS Test and Trace scheme not being aware of the nearly 16,000 cases
"There may well be," she told Sky News.
"I've been made aware that probably the majority of that [contact-tracing] has happened in the latest element of the week, in the last couple of days.
"So it's important that we act quickly, and PHE is acting quickly, to see whether or not people are required to self-isolate.
"Because I do recognise that not quite everybody going through the regime will be identified by the test and trace regime to undertake that further self-isolation."
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 Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Labour MP Bridget Phillipson, the shadow chief secretary to the Treasury, accused ministers of overseeing a "shambolic" system.
"Test, trace and isolate just isn't working," she told Sky News.
Fellow Labour frontbencher Lucy Powell, the Manchester Central MP and a shadow business minister, said it was "very concerning" that infection rates had been revised upwards in Greater Manchester following the discovery of the computer glitch.
"Local understanding of what lies behind this increase is critical before we see ever more stringent restrictions imposed on us," she posted on Twitter.
"We've already been living under local restrictions longer (over 2 months) than most places."
After speaking with Health Secretary Matt Hancock on Monday, London mayor Sadiq Khan claimed the test and trace system was "letting London and the country down".
"Today I spoke to the health secretary, alongside mayors from across the country, and reminded him that a fully functioning test, trace and isolate system is the only way we will get a grip on this virus, prevent a further lockdown and be able to protect our economy," he said.
Public Health England said on Sunday the people involved all received their test results and those who tested positive were advised to self-isolate.
Joint medical director Dr Susan Hopkins told Sky News: "There's no delay in people receiving their test results.
"The delays are in reporting to the dashboard and to the public and there's been a delay in contact tracing initiation.
"Public Health England apologise that this occurred and have put in place steps to prevent this happening again."


skynewspolitics--2020-10-05--Almost 8,000 missed COVID-19 cases still haven't had their contacts traced

Almost half of the nearly 16,000 people with coronavirus missed by the Test and Trace system still have not had their contacts traced , the health secretary has admitted .
An `` IT failure '' within Public Health England - a problem with an Excel spreadsheet reaching its maximum size - has been blamed by ministers for a delay in the reporting of 15,841 COVID-19 cases in England .
Downing Street revealed extra contact tracers had now been drafted in to help track down the contacts of people whose positive tests went unreported between 25 September to 2 October .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and updates Matt Hancock said the situation was `` ongoing '' but that the government 's assessment of the pandemic had `` not substantially changed '' .
The health secretary also told the Commons that just over half - 51 % - of the missing cases have been contacted for a second time over the weekend to have their contacts traced , meaning 49 % - equal to some 7,762 people - have not .
The government later clarified that Mr Hancock 's `` ongoing '' comment did not mean some positive cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work is continuing to contact those missed .
Meanwhile , a Whitehall investigation has been launched to discover why the missed cases were not identified sooner .
But the prime minister was said to still have full confidence in Baroness Harding , the head of the NHS Test and Trace programme .
He was quizzed about the glitch on Monday , with Labour having accused the government of overseeing a `` shambolic '' system .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak will speak to Kay Burley live just after 7am tomorrow morning Mr Johnson did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people were n't traced , but who should have been , by NHS Test and Trace due to the delay in reporting the infections .
`` I ca n't give you those figures , '' he said .
`` What I can say is all those people are obviously being contacted and the key thing is that everybody - whether in this group or generally - should self-isolate .
`` That 's the way to make it work . ''
The prime minister said a successful use of the NHS Test and Trace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' around an incidence of infection and `` helps us fight the virus '' .
Referring to the technology error , Mr Johnson claimed that `` some of the data got truncated '' and `` was lost '' .
The master Excel spreadsheet reached its maximum capacity so could not keep adding further cases .
Officials said that `` rapid mitigation '' measures have been put in place to make sure it does not happen again .
Mr Johnson added : `` What they have done now is not only contacted all the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease - that was done in the first place - but they are now working through all the contacts as well . ''
After the prime minister spoke to reporters on a visit to a sustainable power firm in London , Downing Street clarified that those self-isolating at the request of the NHS Test and Trace scheme would receive a one-off payment of £500 , rather than the £500 per week that Mr Johnson had said during the visit .
Following the addition of the new COVID-19 cases to England 's figures , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in dozens of areas .
Earlier on Monday , Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey was asked whether others might have been infected with COVID-19 due to the NHS Test and Trace scheme not being aware of the nearly 16,000 cases '' There may well be , '' she told Sky News .
`` I 've been made aware that probably the majority of that [ contact-tracing ] has happened in the latest element of the week , in the last couple of days .
`` So it 's important that we act @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to see whether or not people are required to self-isolate .
`` Because I do recognise that not quite everybody going through the regime will be identified by the test and trace regime to undertake that further self-isolation . ''
: : Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Labour MP Bridget Phillipson , the shadow chief secretary to the Treasury , accused ministers of overseeing a `` shambolic '' system .
`` Test , trace and isolate just is n't working , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Labour frontbencher Lucy Powell , the Manchester Central MP and a shadow business minister , said it was `` very concerning '' that infection rates had been revised upwards in Greater Manchester following the discovery of the computer glitch .
`` Local understanding of what lies behind this increase is critical before we see ever more stringent restrictions imposed on us , '' she posted on Twitter .
`` We 've already been living under local restrictions longer ( over 2 months ) than most places . ''
After speaking with Health Secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sadiq Khan claimed the test and trace system was `` letting London and the country down '' .
`` Today I spoke to the health secretary , alongside mayors from across the country , and reminded him that a fully functioning test , trace and isolate system is the only way we will get a grip on this virus , prevent a further lockdown and be able to protect our economy , '' he said .
Public Health England said on Sunday the people involved all received their test results and those who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Joint medical director Dr Susan Hopkins told Sky News : `` There 's no delay in people receiving their test results .
`` The delays are in reporting to the dashboard and to the public and there 's been a delay in contact tracing initiation .
`` Public Health England apologise that this occurred and have put in place steps to prevent this happening again . ''


skynewspolitics--2020-10-05--Chancellor warns of 'hard choices' as he vows to get 'debt back under control'

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has warned there will be no `` easy cost-free answer '' as he vowed to `` balance the books '' following his spending splurge during the coronavirus crisis .
In his speech to the Conservative Party 's virtual conference , Mr Sunak listed the various schemes he has introduced in a bid to shore up the economy amid the COVID-19 pandemic .
He hailed how the government `` stood between the people and the danger and we always will '' .
And Mr Sunak promised the `` overwhelming might of the British state will be placed at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with ministers braced for millions to be left unemployed in the coming months .
Live coverage of the latest coronavirus news and updates Chancellor Rishi Sunak will speak to Kay Burley live just after 7am tomorrow morning But , in a hint at tax rises or spending cuts in the future , the chancellor also used his noticeably short address to assure Tory members he would `` protect the public finances '' .
Mr Sunak set out his intention to `` over the medium term '' get the UK 's borrowing and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We have a sacred responsibility to future generations to leave the public finances strong , '' he added .
`` And through careful management of our economy , this Conservative government will always balance the books .
`` If instead we argue there is no limit on what we can spend , that we can simply borrow our way out of any hole , what is the point in us ?
`` I have never pretended there is some easy cost-free answer .
Hard choices are everywhere .
`` I wo n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people and businesses .
I will always be pragmatic . ''
Mr Sunak said it was `` only because of 10 years of sound Conservative management of our economy '' that he had been able to `` act with the pace and scale we have in responding to coronavirus '' .
He promised to `` not let talent wither , or waste , we will help all who want it , find new opportunity and develop new skills '' during the UK 's economic recovery .
`` I have always said I could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , no chancellor could , '' the chancellor said .
`` And even though I have said it , the pain of knowing it , only grows with each passing day .
`` So , I am committing myself to a single priority - to create , support and extend opportunity to as many people as I can . ''
Mr Sunak said he would `` keep listening , keep striving to be creative '' in the coming months and to `` not give up , no matter how difficult it is '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He also offered a tribute to Prime Minister Boris Johnson 's `` invaluable '' friendship , following recent reports of tensions between the chancellor and Number 10 over fresh coronavirus restrictions and possible future tax rises or spending cuts .
`` I 've seen up close the burden the prime minister carries , '' Mr Sunak said .
`` We all know he has an ability to connect with people in a way few politicians manage .
It is a special @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the commentators do n't see , the thing I see , is the concern and care he feels , every day , for the wellbeing of the people of our country .
`` Yes , it 's been difficult , challenges are part of the job , but on the big calls , in the big moments , Boris Johnson has got it right and we need that leadership .
`` Because we are only part way through this crisis . ''
Responding to Mr Sunak 's speech , Labour 's shadow chancellor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spoke for just ten minutes today - and he had nothing to say to the millions of people whose jobs are now at risk because of his policies .
`` Britain risks the worst unemployment crisis in decades and Rishi Sunak 's name will be all over it . ''
Analysis : Sunak positions himself as a credible leader with insight and heart By Kate McCann , political correspondent It was much shorter than a traditional conference speech and Rishi Sunak packed his address , not with policy , but perhaps a more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While he did list the Treasury 's interventions during the pandemic it was the tone of this speech that will really make a mark - more personal , more honest and much broader than just the numbers .
He promised the nation there was hope , spoke of the pain of knowing he ca n't save every job , but pledged to never give up , no matter how difficult things get .
Mr Sunak talked of Conservative values and how the government would always stand in between the people and danger , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
Not everyone will agree , but in a way that was n't the point of this speech .
There was no new policy and nothing about the spending review coming down the track , no warnings about tax or review of where things went wrong .
This was a personal pledge from a man in charge of the fate of families around the country .
Yes he praised the prime minister and went to great lengths to show there is no rivalry between the two men .
But , in reality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not just as a man in charge of the books but as a credible political leader with insight and heart too .
But the biggest question will be how this chancellor handles a second wave if one arrives this winter and the damage that will do to already struggling industries around the UK .

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has warned there will be no "easy cost-free answer" as he vowed to "balance the books" following his spending splurge during the coronavirus crisis.
In his speech to the Conservative Party's virtual conference, Mr Sunak listed the various schemes he has introduced in a bid to shore up the economy amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
He hailed how the government "stood between the people and the danger and we always will".
And Mr Sunak promised the "overwhelming might of the British state will be placed at your service" to those struggling financially, with ministers braced for millions to be left unemployed in the coming months.
Live coverage of the latest coronavirus news and updates
Chancellor Rishi Sunak will speak to Kay Burley live just after 7am tomorrow morning
But, in a hint at tax rises or spending cuts in the future, the chancellor also used his noticeably short address to assure Tory members he would "protect the public finances".
Mr Sunak set out his intention to "over the medium term" get the UK's borrowing and debt "back under control".
"We have a sacred responsibility to future generations to leave the public finances strong," he added.
Advertisement
"And through careful management of our economy, this Conservative government will always balance the books.
"If instead we argue there is no limit on what we can spend, that we can simply borrow our way out of any hole, what is the point in us?
"I have never pretended there is some easy cost-free answer. Hard choices are everywhere.
"I won't stop trying to find ways to support people and businesses. I will always be pragmatic."
Image: Mr Sunak paid tribute to the PM's 'invaluable' friendship
Mr Sunak said it was "only because of 10 years of sound Conservative management of our economy" that he had been able to "act with the pace and scale we have in responding to coronavirus".
He promised to "not let talent wither, or waste, we will help all who want it, find new opportunity and develop new skills" during the UK's economic recovery.
"I have always said I couldn't protect every job or every business, no chancellor could," the chancellor said.
"And even though I have said it, the pain of knowing it, only grows with each passing day.
"So, I am committing myself to a single priority - to create, support and extend opportunity to as many people as I can."
Mr Sunak said he would "keep listening, keep striving to be creative" in the coming months and to "not give up, no matter how difficult it is".
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 Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
He also offered a tribute to Prime Minister Boris Johnson's "invaluable" friendship, following recent reports of tensions between the chancellor and Number 10 over fresh coronavirus restrictions and possible future tax rises or spending cuts.
"I've seen up close the burden the prime minister carries," Mr Sunak said.
"We all know he has an ability to connect with people in a way few politicians manage. It is a special and rare quality.
"But what the commentators don't see, the thing I see, is the concern and care he feels, every day, for the wellbeing of the people of our country.
"Yes, it's been difficult, challenges are part of the job, but on the big calls, in the big moments, Boris Johnson has got it right and we need that leadership.
"Because we are only part way through this crisis."
Responding to Mr Sunak's speech, Labour's shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds said: "The chancellor spoke for just ten minutes today - and he had nothing to say to the millions of people whose jobs are now at risk because of his policies.
"Britain risks the worst unemployment crisis in decades and Rishi Sunak's name will be all over it."
Analysis: Sunak positions himself as a credible leader with insight and heart
By Kate McCann, political correspondent
It was much shorter than a traditional conference speech and Rishi Sunak packed his address, not with policy, but perhaps a more intriguing filling - a personal promise.
While he did list the Treasury's interventions during the pandemic it was the tone of this speech that will really make a mark - more personal, more honest and much broader than just the numbers.
He promised the nation there was hope, spoke of the pain of knowing he can't save every job, but pledged to never give up, no matter how difficult things get.
Mr Sunak talked of Conservative values and how the government would always stand in between the people and danger, as it had so far during the pandemic.
Not everyone will agree, but in a way that wasn't the point of this speech.
There was no new policy and nothing about the spending review coming down the track, no warnings about tax or review of where things went wrong.
Image: The chancellor is braced for millions to be left unemployed
This was a personal pledge from a man in charge of the fate of families around the country.
Yes he praised the prime minister and went to great lengths to show there is no rivalry between the two men.
But, in reality, this speech was about positioning himself not just as a man in charge of the books but as a credible political leader with insight and heart too.
But the biggest question will be how this chancellor handles a second wave if one arrives this winter and the damage that will do to already struggling industries around the UK.


skynewspolitics--2020-10-06--Tory rebels fail to defeat government over the 'rule of six'

More than a dozen Tory rebels flexed their muscles on new coronavirus rules , but failed to defeat the government over its `` rule of six '' .
Fourteen Conservative backbenchers were joined by five DUP MPs in trying to curb the restrictions on social gatherings .
They were easily outnumbered , but Labour and 62 Conservatives abstained , meaning the total number who backed the government was short of half of all MPs .
The vote is being seen as the precursor to a much bigger challenge to the government 's 10pm coronavirus curfew for pubs , bars and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next week , after MPs demanded more say over the emergency measures that have been brought in to stop the spread of COVID-19 .
Nusrat Ghani , a Tory MP and former minister , said she abstained after watching the `` rule of six '' debate and not being satisfied with the reason given that the restriction was brought in .
She said the social care minister Helen Whately justified it as being based on `` the simplicity of the message not actual science '' .
`` It did n't convince me to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweeted .
`` We need a proportionate response and justifications for limiting families ' freedoms . ''
Another MP , Mark Harper , let loose frustration at Ms Whately for claiming opposition to some restrictions would `` let rip '' the virus .
`` We all want the government to be successful , '' he said .
`` But if every time somebody asks a question or posits a different strategy , we are accused of wanting to let it rip and kill tens of thousands of people , this debate will not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to her please accept we are all trying to get this right . ''
And Steve Baker , a third Tory MP , added : `` It 's not clear now that the benefit outweighs the costs of lockdown .
We have to ask whether this set of circumstances is really what we want . ''
Jeffrey Donaldson , the DUP 's chief whip , said his party voted against the measure which only affects England `` for consistency '' .
He tweeted : `` Government should exclude under 13s as in Northern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more joined up approach needed . ''
A bigger row is brewing over the 10pm curfew , with rebels unfazed by the small number of Tories who voted against the government this time .

More than a dozen Tory rebels flexed their muscles on new coronavirus rules, but failed to defeat the government over its "rule of six".
Fourteen Conservative backbenchers were joined by five DUP MPs in trying to curb the restrictions on social gatherings.
They were easily outnumbered, but Labour and 62 Conservatives abstained, meaning the total number who backed the government was short of half of all MPs.
Image: MPs have been given more say over coronavirus restrictions
The vote is being seen as the precursor to a much bigger challenge to the government's 10pm coronavirus curfew for pubs, bars and restaurants.
That is expected to come next week, after MPs demanded more say over the emergency measures that have been brought in to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Nusrat Ghani, a Tory MP and former minister, said she abstained after watching the "rule of six" debate and not being satisfied with the reason given that the restriction was brought in.
Image: Nusrat Ghani said the policy was not based on 'actual science'
She said the social care minister Helen Whately justified it as being based on "the simplicity of the message not actual science".
"It didn't convince me to vote for it," Ms Ghani tweeted.
"We need a proportionate response and justifications for limiting families' freedoms."
Advertisement
Another MP, Mark Harper, let loose frustration at Ms Whately for claiming opposition to some restrictions would "let rip" the virus.
"We all want the government to be successful," he said.
"But if every time somebody asks a question or posits a different strategy, we are accused of wanting to let it rip and kill tens of thousands of people, this debate will not remain good-tempered and I would just say to her please accept we are all trying to get this right."
And Steve Baker, a third Tory MP, added: "It's not clear now that the benefit outweighs the costs of lockdown. We have to ask whether this set of circumstances is really what we want."
Image: A bigger Tory challenge to the curfew for pubs is expected next week
Jeffrey Donaldson, the DUP's chief whip, said his party voted against the measure which only affects England "for consistency".
He tweeted: "Government should exclude under 13s as in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. A more joined up approach needed."
A bigger row is brewing over the 10pm curfew, with rebels unfazed by the small number of Tories who voted against the government this time.


skynewspolitics--2020-10-06--After optimistic speech, another surge in COVID-19 cases gives PM a reality check

It was a speech without the audience he had hoped for , in a year no one had anticipated .
What should have been a Conservative Party victory rally for Boris Johnson on Tuesday turned instead into an attempt to steady the ship after some very rocky weeks .
The prime minister used his annual conference speech to answer directly those questioning his health and ability to do the job - dismissing claims he 'd lost his `` mojo '' .
He also sought to reset his credentials as a true blue Conservative by talking up fiscal responsibility and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state , in the post-coronavirus rebuild .
At the centrepiece of his speech was a 10-year vision in which the prime minister promised to build a `` new Jerusalem '' out of the devastation of this pandemic .
This , he said , would be done by fixing the injustice of care home funding ; transforming the sclerotic planning system ; turning generation rent into generation buy ; fixing the housing market ; providing offshore wind to power every home in Britain ; and giving one-on-one teaching to exceptional pupils .
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confetti .
Nearly all were familiar - apart from the £160m of investment in ports and factories for offshore wind .
But the honeymoon period for Mr Johnson is over .
No sooner had he tried to lift spirits by imagining a Britain after COVID-19 , he was brought firmly back into the here and now when figures released show a surge in infection rates with 14,542 new cases .
It will be on how the prime minister handles coronavirus in the coming weeks that he 'll be judged , as communities , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ navigate the second wave of a pandemic that threatens to race out of control .
But with polls showing his popularity is falling both with the public and with the party , he perhaps wanted to deliver a rallying call of old , where he could capture his audience 's imagination and reignite the enthusiasm of those party members and voters that backed him to become Conservative Party leader and then to remain as prime minister The optimistic prime minister tried today to lift not just his party but the nation , too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 crisis in his speech he glossed over the more pressing concerns of his public .
Nearly a third of the country are in local lockdowns , and millions of people could lose their jobs as the furlough scheme is wound up .
A return to normal feels a long way off and his 10-year plan out of touch .

It was a speech without the audience he had hoped for, in a year no one had anticipated.
What should have been a Conservative Party victory rally for Boris Johnson on Tuesday turned instead into an attempt to steady the ship after some very rocky weeks.
The prime minister used his annual conference speech to answer directly those questioning his health and ability to do the job - dismissing claims he'd lost his "mojo".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 26:56 PM promises to forge a new post-COVID Britain
He also sought to reset his credentials as a true blue Conservative by talking up fiscal responsibility and the role of private enterprise, rather than the state, in the post-coronavirus rebuild.
At the centrepiece of his speech was a 10-year vision in which the prime minister promised to build a "new Jerusalem" out of the devastation of this pandemic.
This, he said, would be done by fixing the injustice of care home funding; transforming the sclerotic planning system; turning generation rent into generation buy; fixing the housing market; providing offshore wind to power every home in Britain; and giving one-on-one teaching to exceptional pupils.
Mr Johnson scattered around pledges and policies like confetti.
Nearly all were familiar - apart from the £160m of investment in ports and factories for offshore wind.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:26 Do the PM's green plans stack up?
But the honeymoon period for Mr Johnson is over.
Advertisement
No sooner had he tried to lift spirits by imagining a Britain after COVID-19, he was brought firmly back into the here and now when figures released show a surge in infection rates with 14,542 new cases.
From soaring rhetoric to a reality check.
Image: The public are looking to the PM for leadership through a tough winter
It will be on how the prime minister handles coronavirus in the coming weeks that he'll be judged, as communities, businesses, families and individuals try to navigate the second wave of a pandemic that threatens to race out of control.
But with polls showing his popularity is falling both with the public and with the party, he perhaps wanted to deliver a rallying call of old, where he could capture his audience's imagination and reignite the enthusiasm of those party members and voters that backed him to become Conservative Party leader and then to remain as prime minister
Image: The latest figures show there were 14,542 new cases recorded yesterday
The optimistic prime minister tried today to lift not just his party but the nation, too.
But by glossing over the ongoing COVID-19 crisis in his speech he glossed over the more pressing concerns of his public.
Nearly a third of the country are in local lockdowns, and millions of people could lose their jobs as the furlough scheme is wound up.
A return to normal feels a long way off and his 10-year plan out of touch.


skynewspolitics--2020-10-06--'I've not lost my mojo': PM vows to 'vastly' reduce mortgage deposits

Boris Johnson has dismissed claims that coronavirus has `` robbed me of my mojo '' as he set out promises on social care , green energy and housing in his Conservative Party conference speech .
The prime minister , speaking via a video stream to his party 's members , launched a strident defence of the private sector as he vowed to `` build back better '' from the COVID-19 crisis .
Declaring that he 'd `` had more than enough of this disease '' , Mr Johnson promised Tory members that the next time they met it would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jowl '' .
And he said they would not be having to greet each other by `` touching elbows as in some giant national version of the Birdie dance '' .
But the prime minister added it `` is n't enough to go back to normal '' as the country had `` lost too much '' and `` mourned too many '' .
Mr Johnson predicted the coronavirus pandemic would be a `` trigger for an acceleration of social and economic change , because we human beings will not simply content ourselves with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minister despaired at the `` chronic underlying problems '' the UK had prior to the COVID-19 crisis , as he resolved `` not to go back to 2019 , but to do better '' .
Having been admitted to intensive care earlier this year when he contracted coronavirus himself , the prime minister admitted his own underlying condition was being `` too fat '' prior to catching the disease .
He revealed he has since lost 26lbs , almost two stone , and challenged `` nonsense '' suggestions he was still impacted by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is self-evident drivel , the kind of seditious propaganda that you would expect from people who do n't want this government to succeed , who wanted to stop us delivering Brexit and all our other manifesto pledges , '' he said .
In the most eye-catching of the prime minister 's policy proposals in his address , Mr Johnson reiterated his election manifesto promise to encourage a new market in long-term fixed-rate mortgages .
The prime minister said : `` We need now to take forward one of the key proposals of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first-time buyers the chance to take out a long-term , fixed-rate mortgage of up to 95 % of the value of the home - vastly reducing the size of the deposit and giving the chance of home ownership - and all the joy and pride that goes with it - to millions that feel excluded .
`` We believe that this policy could create two million more owner-occupiers - the biggest expansion of home ownership since the 1980s .
`` We will help turn generation rent into generation buy . ''
In a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insurance-based scheme , Mr Johnson also promised to `` fix the injustice of care home funding '' by `` bringing the magic of averages to the rescue of millions '' .
`` COVID has shone a spotlight on the difficulties of that sector in all parts of the UK - and to build back better we must respond , care for the carers as they care for us , '' he added .
In addition , the prime minister confirmed his pledge that offshore wind power would be powering every home in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kettle , your washing machine , your cooker , your heating , your plug-in electric vehicle - the whole lot of them will get their juice cleanly and without guilt from the breezes that blow around these islands , '' he said .
`` As Saudi Arabia is to oil , the UK is to wind - a place of almost limitless resource , but in the case of wind , without the carbon emissions and without the damage to the environment . ''
Mr Johnson also outlined the government 's intent to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as tried when the pandemic led to the shutting of schools - for pupils `` in danger of falling behind , and for those who are of exceptional abilities '' .
The prime minister branded Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer as `` Captain Hindsight '' and opposition MPs as a `` regiment of pot-shot , snipeshot fusiliers '' .
And Mr Johnson sought to put further distance between the Tories and their opponents in parliament .
Despite his government 's intervention in the economy with support packages since the beginning of the COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` there comes a moment when the state must stand back and let the private sector get on with it '' .
`` I have a simple message for those on the left , who think everything can be funded by uncle sugar the taxpayer , '' he said .
`` It is n't the state that produces the new drugs and therapies we are using .
`` It is n't the state that will hold the intellectual property of the vaccine , if and when we get one .
It was n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masks and ventilators that we needed at such speed .
`` It was the private sector , with its rational interest in innovation and competition and market share and , yes , sales .
`` We must not draw the wrong economic conclusion from this crisis . ''
Having made a comparison with the British government outlining their post-Second World War vision even in the depths of conflict in 1942 , Mr Johnson set out his vision of Britain in 2030 .
He spoke of zero carbon jets , blue passports , digital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ broadband .
`` Even in the darkest moments we can see the bright future ahead , and we can see how to build it , and we are going to build it together , '' the prime minister said .
Responding to Mr Johnson 's speech , Sir Keir said : `` I think that what NHS workers on the frontline and the country want from the prime minister is a frank acknowledgement that there are real problems with the government 's approach .
`` Everybody can see that infection rates are rising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and do n't seem to be coming out of it and the testing regime just is n't working - we 've even lost tests in the last few days .
`` So what I think people wanted was a frank acceptance that those problems are there and a roadmap to get out of where we are now .
`` A roadmap from here to when we get a vaccination . ''
Analysis - PM fails to halt questions about his approach Boris Johnson did three things in his speech , none of which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that life would be back to normal by next conference season - something any organiser of big events would quickly cast extreme doubt on .
Even his Cabinet ministers doubt we will be gathering like Tory conferences of old in a year , given the likely destruction of the events industry .
: : Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Johnson set out a shopping list of promises , almost resembling Gordon Brown at times , with yet more invocations of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be judged on delivery not announcement .
And he framed Labour as opposing free enterprise - filling the vacuum that Sir Keir Starmer himself is creating over his economic approach - as well as saying the Labour leader himself was `` Captain Hindsight '' .
Most notably , he made clear his dislike of critics , suggesting those who had questioned his fitness after his bout of severe coronavirus were `` seditious '' - treasonous - and coming from Remainers who want to stop Brexit .
However strong this language , it wo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away .

Boris Johnson has dismissed claims that coronavirus has "robbed me of my mojo" as he set out promises on social care, green energy and housing in his Conservative Party conference speech.
The prime minister, speaking via a video stream to his party's members, launched a strident defence of the private sector as he vowed to "build back better" from the COVID-19 crisis.
Declaring that he'd "had more than enough of this disease", Mr Johnson promised Tory members that the next time they met it would be "face to face and cheek by jowl".
And he said they would not be having to greet each other by "touching elbows as in some giant national version of the Birdie dance".
Twitter Twitter , 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 Twitter 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 Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
But the prime minister added it "isn't enough to go back to normal" as the country had "lost too much" and "mourned too many".
Mr Johnson predicted the coronavirus pandemic would be a "trigger for an acceleration of social and economic change, because we human beings will not simply content ourselves with a repair job".
The prime minister despaired at the "chronic underlying problems" the UK had prior to the COVID-19 crisis, as he resolved "not to go back to 2019, but to do better".
Having been admitted to intensive care earlier this year when he contracted coronavirus himself, the prime minister admitted his own underlying condition was being "too fat" prior to catching the disease.
He revealed he has since lost 26lbs, almost two stone, and challenged "nonsense" suggestions he was still impacted by his illness.
Advertisement
"Of course this is self-evident drivel, the kind of seditious propaganda that you would expect from people who don't want this government to succeed, who wanted to stop us delivering Brexit and all our other manifesto pledges," he said.
In the most eye-catching of the prime minister's policy proposals in his address, Mr Johnson reiterated his election manifesto promise to encourage a new market in long-term fixed-rate mortgages.
The prime minister said: "We need now to take forward one of the key proposals of our manifesto of 2019: giving young, first-time buyers the chance to take out a long-term, fixed-rate mortgage of up to 95% of the value of the home - vastly reducing the size of the deposit and giving the chance of home ownership - and all the joy and pride that goes with it - to millions that feel excluded.
"We believe that this policy could create two million more owner-occupiers - the biggest expansion of home ownership since the 1980s.
"We will help turn generation rent into generation buy."
Twitter Twitter , 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 Twitter 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 Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
In a hint at the possible introduction of an insurance-based scheme, Mr Johnson also promised to "fix the injustice of care home funding" by "bringing the magic of averages to the rescue of millions".
"COVID has shone a spotlight on the difficulties of that sector in all parts of the UK - and to build back better we must respond, care for the carers as they care for us," he added.
In addition, the prime minister confirmed his pledge that offshore wind power would be powering every home in the country within 10 years.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:52 PM Boris Johnson confirms his plans to make the UK a world leader in green energy and says in the next 10 years it will create
"Your kettle, your washing machine, your cooker, your heating, your plug-in electric vehicle - the whole lot of them will get their juice cleanly and without guilt from the breezes that blow around these islands," he said.
"As Saudi Arabia is to oil, the UK is to wind - a place of almost limitless resource, but in the case of wind, without the carbon emissions and without the damage to the environment."
Mr Johnson also outlined the government's intent to explore the value of one-to-one teaching - as tried when the pandemic led to the shutting of schools - for pupils "in danger of falling behind, and for those who are of exceptional abilities".
The prime minister branded Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer as "Captain Hindsight" and opposition MPs as a "regiment of pot-shot, snipeshot fusiliers".
And Mr Johnson sought to put further distance between the Tories and their opponents in parliament.
Twitter Twitter , 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 Twitter 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 Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
Despite his government's intervention in the economy with support packages since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, the prime minister warned that "there comes a moment when the state must stand back and let the private sector get on with it".
"I have a simple message for those on the left, who think everything can be funded by uncle sugar the taxpayer," he said.
"It isn't the state that produces the new drugs and therapies we are using.
"It isn't the state that will hold the intellectual property of the vaccine, if and when we get one. It wasn't the state that made the gloves and masks and ventilators that we needed at such speed.
"It was the private sector, with its rational interest in innovation and competition and market share and, yes, sales.
"We must not draw the wrong economic conclusion from this crisis."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 7:35 Analysis: How will Boris' plan be funded?
Having made a comparison with the British government outlining their post-Second World War vision even in the depths of conflict in 1942, Mr Johnson set out his vision of Britain in 2030.
He spoke of zero carbon jets, blue passports, digital IDs, electric taxis, and gigabit broadband.
"Even in the darkest moments we can see the bright future ahead, and we can see how to build it, and we are going to build it together," the prime minister said.
Image: Sir Keir Starmer says there are real problems with the government's approach to COVID-19
Responding to Mr Johnson's speech, Sir Keir said: "I think that what NHS workers on the frontline and the country want from the prime minister is a frank acknowledgement that there are real problems with the government's approach.
"Everybody can see that infection rates are rising, lots of areas are under restrictions and don't seem to be coming out of it and the testing regime just isn't working - we've even lost tests in the last few days.
"So what I think people wanted was a frank acceptance that those problems are there and a roadmap to get out of where we are now.
"A roadmap from here to when we get a vaccination."
Analysis - PM fails to halt questions about his approach
By Sam Coates, deputy political editor
Boris Johnson did three things in his speech, none of which were especially memorable.
On coronavirus he said that life would be back to normal by next conference season - something any organiser of big events would quickly cast extreme doubt on.
Even his Cabinet ministers doubt we will be gathering like Tory conferences of old in a year, given the likely destruction of the events industry.
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 Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Mr Johnson set out a shopping list of promises, almost resembling Gordon Brown at times, with yet more invocations of "world-beating" futures, which will be judged on delivery not announcement.
And he framed Labour as opposing free enterprise - filling the vacuum that Sir Keir Starmer himself is creating over his economic approach - as well as saying the Labour leader himself was "Captain Hindsight".
Most notably, he made clear his dislike of critics, suggesting those who had questioned his fitness after his bout of severe coronavirus were "seditious" - treasonous - and coming from Remainers who want to stop Brexit.
However strong this language, it won't make questions about his approach go away.


skynewspolitics--2020-10-06--Government mulling new 'traffic light' system for local lockdowns

A new three-tier `` traffic light '' system for local lockdown rules is being discussed by ministers and could be announced as early as this week , it has emerged .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock held talks with England 's regional mayors on Monday , with the `` constructive '' conversation understood to have included consideration of how to improve the system for imposing localised COVID-19 restrictions .
The government is said to have privately acknowledged that current rules are too confusing and have caused fatigue amongst the public , with an agreement that the measures have to be clearer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the latest coronavirus news and updates Mr Hancock on Monday ruled out a `` simplistic threshold '' for local infection rates above which action would be taken , telling MPs that an outbreak might be confined to a university halls of residence or a workplace and not in the wider community .
He promised to bring forward a `` more simplified approach '' to local action , with ministers `` working through '' proposals .
`` It is critical that our rules are clear at local level so that the public can be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to suppress this virus , '' he told the House of Commons .
`` I will update the House in due course on what action the government are taking , so that we can have more consistent approaches to levels of local action , working with our colleagues in local government . ''
The health secretary also pledged to `` continue to strengthen the local engagement with the national system '' and , while he had discussed the plans with the Welsh government , it would be up to devolved administrations whether the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Earlier on Monday , Prime Minister Boris Johnson did not confirm the reports of a new three-tier system , but said : `` One of the difficulties in fighting the pandemic is you keep having to adjust the strokes you play , the shots you play , depending on where the virus is and the effect it 's having in different localities . ''
According to the Guardian , leaked government documents revealed level three - the most serious - of the proposed new system would include the closure of hospitality and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outside of households in any setting , restrictions on overnight stays away from home and no organised non-professional sports or other communal activities .
However , the newspaper said that schools were not mentioned in the draft document , which was reported to state that alert level three would be `` triggered in geographical areas or nationally when alert level two measures have not contained the spread of the virus , or where there has been a significant rise in transmission '' .
Restrictions under alert level two were said to include a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their household in private dwellings or gardens , apart from their support bubble , or in pubs , restaurants or other settings .
: : Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Alert level one contained the national restrictions currently in place across England , the newspaper added .
A government spokesman said : `` We are seeing coronavirus cases rise at a rapid rate across the country and , given how serious this virus is , it is vital everyone plays their part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ washing their hands , practising social distancing and wearing a mask in enclosed spaces .
`` As we have shown , we are prepared to take action decisively when it is necessary , and it is of course right to look how we make sure everyone understands and complies with the restrictions that will keep us all safe . ''
Analysis - Worries in Whitehall that new system could cause unnecessary economic harm The traffic light system has not yet been announced amid worries in some government departments that it will cause unnecessary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parts of Whitehall that the simplified `` traffic light '' system might result in too many shops being shut down too quickly when areas move from `` yellow '' to `` red '' .
Officials have warned that making it too easy to shut down non-essential retail will cause considerable damage to the economy , and that this should only happen `` very far down into the red zone '' .
Shutting non-essential retail was in the `` red '' category of some leaked drafts of the traffic light system .
But some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being caused by open shops but by mixing households and people who are n't obeying the rules .
Downing Street may never publish the criteria behind changing ratings from green to yellow to red , or the specific consequences of a change in category , potentially removing some of the justification for the scheme .
One Whitehall source said : `` It 's very important we do n't create a system that binds our hands '' .

A new three-tier "traffic light" system for local lockdown rules is being discussed by ministers and could be announced as early as this week, it has emerged.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock held talks with England's regional mayors on Monday, with the "constructive" conversation understood to have included consideration of how to improve the system for imposing localised COVID-19 restrictions.
The government is said to have privately acknowledged that current rules are too confusing and have caused fatigue amongst the public, with an agreement that the measures have to be clearer and more consistent.
Live coverage of the latest coronavirus news and updates
Image: Matt Hancock promised to bring forward a 'more simplified approach' Pic: UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor
Mr Hancock on Monday ruled out a "simplistic threshold" for local infection rates above which action would be taken, telling MPs that an outbreak might be confined to a university halls of residence or a workplace and not in the wider community.
He promised to bring forward a "more simplified approach" to local action, with ministers "working through" proposals.
"It is critical that our rules are clear at local level so that the public can be certain of what they need to do to suppress this virus," he told the House of Commons.
"I will update the House in due course on what action the government are taking, so that we can have more consistent approaches to levels of local action, working with our colleagues in local government."
The health secretary also pledged to "continue to strengthen the local engagement with the national system" and, while he had discussed the plans with the Welsh government, it would be up to devolved administrations whether the new system would apply across the UK.
Advertisement
Earlier on Monday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson did not confirm the reports of a new three-tier system, but said: "One of the difficulties in fighting the pandemic is you keep having to adjust the strokes you play, the shots you play, depending on where the virus is and the effect it's having in different localities."
According to the Guardian, leaked government documents revealed level three - the most serious - of the proposed new system would include the closure of hospitality and leisure business, a ban on socialising outside of households in any setting, restrictions on overnight stays away from home and no organised non-professional sports or other communal activities.
However, the newspaper said that schools were not mentioned in the draft document, which was reported to state that alert level three would be "triggered in geographical areas or nationally when alert level two measures have not contained the spread of the virus, or where there has been a significant rise in transmission".
Restrictions under alert level two were said to include a ban on people meeting others outside of their household in private dwellings or gardens, apart from their support bubble, or in pubs, restaurants or other settings.
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 Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Alert level one contained the national restrictions currently in place across England, the newspaper added.
A government spokesman said: "We are seeing coronavirus cases rise at a rapid rate across the country and, given how serious this virus is, it is vital everyone plays their part by following the rule of six, washing their hands, practising social distancing and wearing a mask in enclosed spaces.
"As we have shown, we are prepared to take action decisively when it is necessary, and it is of course right to look how we make sure everyone understands and complies with the restrictions that will keep us all safe."
Analysis - Worries in Whitehall that new system could cause unnecessary economic harm
By Sam Coates, deputy political editor
The traffic light system has not yet been announced amid worries in some government departments that it will cause unnecessary economic harm.
There is concern in parts of Whitehall that the simplified "traffic light" system might result in too many shops being shut down too quickly when areas move from "yellow" to "red".
Officials have warned that making it too easy to shut down non-essential retail will cause considerable damage to the economy, and that this should only happen "very far down into the red zone".
Shutting non-essential retail was in the "red" category of some leaked drafts of the traffic light system.
But some ministers argue that coronavirus transmission is not being caused by open shops but by mixing households and people who aren't obeying the rules.
Downing Street may never publish the criteria behind changing ratings from green to yellow to red, or the specific consequences of a change in category, potentially removing some of the justification for the scheme.
One Whitehall source said: "It's very important we don't create a system that binds our hands".


skynewspolitics--2020-10-06--Labour call on Hancock to consider quitting over 'disgusting' testing blunder

Labour 's deputy leader has called on Health Secretary Matt Hancock to consider quitting over the `` disgusting '' technology blunder that saw 16,000 coronavirus cases missed by contact tracers .
Angela Rayner told Mr Hancock he should be `` completely embarrassed '' by the delay in the reporting of 15,841 COVID-19 infections in England between 25 September to 2 October .
With the details of the cases having not initially been passed to the NHS Test and Trace scheme - due to an error in the handling of data - the government has been forced to draft in extra @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and track down the contacts of people whose positive tests went unreported .
Mr Hancock has admitted that almost half of the nearly 16,000 people missed by the Test and Trace system have still not had their contacts traced .
Speaking to Sky News on Tuesday , Mrs Rayner said the health secretary `` should be considering his position '' over the IT problems , adding : `` He 's had a multiple of failures ever since he took on the role . ''
`` In terms of the test , track and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world-leading one and yet , over the last couple of months , we 've seen the system creaking and 16,000 of these tests were knocked off an Excel spreadsheet after spending £12bn on that investment , '' she said .
`` Of those 16,000 , half of them were in the North West - I 'm a North West MP , we 've seen in Greater Manchester rises in the infection rate .
`` If we ca n't test and trace people , how are we supposed to keep on top of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government to `` give us that world-leading test , track and trace system they promised '' .
`` By doing that , what they need to do is allow local authorities ' local tracing to happen instead of having a big multinational company look at it , who have obviously failed miserably , '' she added .
`` Can you imagine the outcry if a public body had done that and wasted all that money on an Excel spreadsheet that is n't working ?
`` It 's disastrous for England and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the North West when over half of those tests were the ones from that area .
`` It 's disgusting and the government really needs to step up and start doing their job properly . ''
: : Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer later declined to echo his deputy 's call for Mr Hancock to consider resigning , but said that `` Angela was probably expressing a frustration that 's deeply felt across the country '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Matt Hancock to get on with the job of delivering on the government 's promises , '' he added .
`` The vast majority of the population are really about infection rates , they want to see a government that is actually getting on and beating this virus , getting those levels down . ''
Speaking in the House of Commons on Monday , Mr Hancock said the technical problem with the system `` that brings together '' data from NHS test sites and tests processed by commercial firms `` should never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the team had `` acted swiftly to minimise its impact '' .

Labour's deputy leader has called on Health Secretary Matt Hancock to consider quitting over the "disgusting" technology blunder that saw 16,000 coronavirus cases missed by contact tracers.
Angela Rayner told Mr Hancock he should be "completely embarrassed" by the delay in the reporting of 15,841 COVID-19 infections in England between 25 September to 2 October.
With the details of the cases having not initially been passed to the NHS Test and Trace scheme - due to an error in the handling of data - the government has been forced to draft in extra contact tracers in an effort to try and track down the contacts of people whose positive tests went unreported.
Image: Matt Hancock was told he should be 'completely embarrassed' Pic: UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor
Mr Hancock has admitted that almost half of the nearly 16,000 people missed by the Test and Trace system have still not had their contacts traced.
Speaking to Sky News on Tuesday, Mrs Rayner said the health secretary "should be considering his position" over the IT problems, adding: "He's had a multiple of failures ever since he took on the role."
"In terms of the test, track and trace system, we were promised a world-leading one and yet, over the last couple of months, we've seen the system creaking and 16,000 of these tests were knocked off an Excel spreadsheet after spending £12bn on that investment," she said.
"Of those 16,000, half of them were in the North West - I'm a North West MP, we've seen in Greater Manchester rises in the infection rate.
"If we can't test and trace people, how are we supposed to keep on top of the virus?"
Mrs Rayner called on the government to "give us that world-leading test, track and trace system they promised".
Advertisement
"By doing that, what they need to do is allow local authorities' local tracing to happen instead of having a big multinational company look at it, who have obviously failed miserably," she added.
"Can you imagine the outcry if a public body had done that and wasted all that money on an Excel spreadsheet that isn't working?
"It's disastrous for England and it's been disastrous, in particular, for the North West when over half of those tests were the ones from that area.
"It's disgusting and the government really needs to step up and start doing their job properly."
:: Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer later declined to echo his deputy's call for Mr Hancock to consider resigning, but said that "Angela was probably expressing a frustration that's deeply felt across the country".
"I think it's time for Matt Hancock to get on with the job of delivering on the government's promises," he added.
"The vast majority of the population are really about infection rates, they want to see a government that is actually getting on and beating this virus, getting those levels down."
Speaking in the House of Commons on Monday, Mr Hancock said the technical problem with the system "that brings together" data from NHS test sites and tests processed by commercial firms "should never have happened".
But he insisted the team had "acted swiftly to minimise its impact".


skynewspolitics--2020-10-06--Chancellor defends Eat Out To Help Out scheme in face of UK's second coronavirus wave

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has defended encouraging people back to pubs and restaurants over the summer , prior to the government being forced to take fresh action to limit the spread of coronavirus .
Mr Sunak 's `` Eat Out To Help Out '' scheme handed Britons discounted meals during August , as ministers attempted to restart the economy after the UK 's lockdown .
Pubs , bars and restaurants - along with the rest of the hospitality industry - have since been handed a 10pm curfew as the government attempts to deal with a second wave of COVID-19 infections .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and updates At the weekend , Prime Minister Boris Johnson hailed the meals discount programme for protecting jobs , but suggested new measures were needed to `` counteract '' the possible impact of the scheme on the spread of transmission .
But , speaking to Sky News on Tuesday , the chancellor played down a link between his scheme and the growing rise in cases across the country as he cautioned against `` jumping to simplistic conclusions '' .
`` More broadly , if you think of the spread of the virus this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is pretty much in sync with what 's happening around the world in second waves , '' he said .
`` Whether it 's France or Spain , where very specifically our scientists said we were following exactly the same curve .
`` So , actually , this seems to be more a feature just of the virus and the season than anything specific . ''
Mr Sunak highlighted how the South West had seen the greatest use of the Eat Out To Help Out scheme , in proportion to the size of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a region with some of the lowest incidences of COVID-19 `` anywhere in the country '' .
Between 10 August and 20 September , Public Health England ( PHE ) said that - among people who tested positive for COVID-19 - eating out was the most commonly reported activity in the two to seven days prior to the onset of symptoms .
But Mr Sunak warned of a `` big difference between correlation and causation '' , adding : `` I would be , I guess , cautious about jumping to simplistic conclusions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of PHE data had revealed `` a very small percentage '' of the causes of transmission were hospitality settings .
`` One thing we know is , and I speak to our scientists almost every day , it 's incredibly difficult at such a granular level to pinpoint exactly the cause of transmission , '' he continued .
`` So I think we should have some humility about our ability to do that . ''
: : Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mixing within homes was the `` key source '' of transmission in parts of the country , such as the Midlands .
`` Depending on where you are in the country , the exact source of the virus spread will vary and that 's why our response can be targeted and nuanced to the situation we confront , '' he said .

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has defended encouraging people back to pubs and restaurants over the summer, prior to the government being forced to take fresh action to limit the spread of coronavirus.
Mr Sunak's "Eat Out To Help Out" scheme handed Britons discounted meals during August, as ministers attempted to restart the economy after the UK's lockdown.
Pubs, bars and restaurants - along with the rest of the hospitality industry - have since been handed a 10pm curfew as the government attempts to deal with a second wave of COVID-19 infections.
Live coverage of the latest coronavirus news and updates
Image: Rishi Sunak defended his Eat Out To Help Out scheme
At the weekend, Prime Minister Boris Johnson hailed the meals discount programme for protecting jobs, but suggested new measures were needed to "counteract" the possible impact of the scheme on the spread of transmission.
But, speaking to Sky News on Tuesday, the chancellor played down a link between his scheme and the growing rise in cases across the country as he cautioned against "jumping to simplistic conclusions".
"More broadly, if you think of the spread of the virus this time around, what's happening here is pretty much in sync with what's happening around the world in second waves," he said.
"Whether it's France or Spain, where very specifically our scientists said we were following exactly the same curve.
"So, actually, this seems to be more a feature just of the virus and the season than anything specific."
Advertisement
Mr Sunak highlighted how the South West had seen the greatest use of the Eat Out To Help Out scheme, in proportion to the size of the local population, and was now a region with some of the lowest incidences of COVID-19 "anywhere in the country".
Between 10 August and 20 September, Public Health England (PHE) said that - among people who tested positive for COVID-19 - eating out was the most commonly reported activity in the two to seven days prior to the onset of symptoms.
But Mr Sunak warned of a "big difference between correlation and causation", adding: "I would be, I guess, cautious about jumping to simplistic conclusions."
He also said different analysis of PHE data had revealed "a very small percentage" of the causes of transmission were hospitality settings.
"One thing we know is, and I speak to our scientists almost every day, it's incredibly difficult at such a granular level to pinpoint exactly the cause of transmission," he continued.
"So I think we should have some humility about our ability to do that."
:: Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Mr Sunak also pointed to how household mixing within homes was the "key source" of transmission in parts of the country, such as the Midlands.
"Depending on where you are in the country, the exact source of the virus spread will vary and that's why our response can be targeted and nuanced to the situation we confront," he said.


skynewspolitics--2020-10-07--Labour's biggest donor and key Corbyn ally cuts party's funding by £1m after warning to Starmer

Britain 's largest trade union has decided to reduce its funding to the Labour Party .
Unite 's executive council on Tuesday voted to cut its affiliation to Labour by 10 % , or 50,000 affiliates .
It is understood the move could reduce the union 's funding to the party by just under £1m .
Unite will instead use the money to fund other organisations , although it stressed it would still remain Labour 's largest trade union affiliate .
Unite has been Labour 's biggest financial donor and the union 's general secretary , Len McCluskey , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leader Jeremy Corbyn .
However , Mr McCluskey has recently warned new Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer over the direction of the party .
He has also expressed anger at the party 's decision to reach a settlement with antisemitism whistleblowers .
Announcing the union 's decision , Mr McCluskey said : `` Unite is and will remain the biggest affiliate to the Labour Party , something that we are very proud to be .
`` We know that it is this union 's financial support and dedicated activists that help ensure that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but sustained between elections .
`` But we also want to use our political funding to support and nurture the newer voices in our movement .
`` There are some very talented thinkers and energetic organisations out there who could do with our assistance - and the Labour Party needs their enthusiasm and ideas too . ''
: : Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker In an interview with the BBC ahead of Tuesday 's vote by Unite 's executive council , Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of anger '' over Labour 's decision earlier this year to reach a settlement with a group of whistleblowers who contributed to a TV investigation into its handling of antisemitism claims under Mr Corbyn 's leadership .
Mr McCluskey said his members thought `` it was an absolute mistake and wrong to pay out huge sums of money to individuals who were suing the Labour Party based on the Panorama programme when Labour 's own legal people were saying that they would lose that case if it went to court , so we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And , in a warning to Sir Keir over the future direction of Labour , Mr McCluskey added : `` We give significant money to the Labour Party and I well remember , when I first took over as general secretary of this union 10 years , my members everywhere were saying 'why are we giving the Labour Party so much money ? '
.
`` Because they felt that New Labour was letting them down .
`` There will be that demand again - I have no doubt if things to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ordinary working people start saying 'well , I 'm not really sure what Labour stands for ' . ''

Britain's largest trade union has decided to reduce its funding to the Labour Party.
Unite's executive council on Tuesday voted to cut its affiliation to Labour by 10%, or 50,000 affiliates. It is understood the move could reduce the union's funding to the party by just under £1m.
Unite will instead use the money to fund other organisations, although it stressed it would still remain Labour's largest trade union affiliate.
Image: Len McCluskey said Unite would use the money to fund other organisations
Unite has been Labour's biggest financial donor and the union's general secretary, Len McCluskey, was one of the strongest allies of ex-Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.
However, Mr McCluskey has recently warned new Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer over the direction of the party.
He has also expressed anger at the party's decision to reach a settlement with antisemitism whistleblowers.
Announcing the union's decision, Mr McCluskey said: "Unite is and will remain the biggest affiliate to the Labour Party, something that we are very proud to be.
"We know that it is this union's financial support and dedicated activists that help ensure that the Labour Party is not just election-ready but sustained between elections.
"But we also want to use our political funding to support and nurture the newer voices in our movement.
Advertisement
"There are some very talented thinkers and energetic organisations out there who could do with our assistance - and the Labour Party needs their enthusiasm and ideas too."
:: Subscribe to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
In an interview with the BBC ahead of Tuesday's vote by Unite's executive council, Mr McCluskey said there was "a lot of anger" over Labour's decision earlier this year to reach a settlement with a group of whistleblowers who contributed to a TV investigation into its handling of antisemitism claims under Mr Corbyn's leadership.
Mr McCluskey said his members thought "it was an absolute mistake and wrong to pay out huge sums of money to individuals who were suing the Labour Party based on the Panorama programme when Labour's own legal people were saying that they would lose that case if it went to court, so we shouldn't have paid them anything".
And, in a warning to Sir Keir over the future direction of Labour, Mr McCluskey added: "We give significant money to the Labour Party and I well remember, when I first took over as general secretary of this union 10 years, my members everywhere were saying 'why are we giving the Labour Party so much money?'.
"Because they felt that New Labour was letting them down.
"There will be that demand again - I have no doubt if things to start to move in different directions and ordinary working people start saying 'well, I'm not really sure what Labour stands for'."