skynewspolitics--2020-01-24--Business demands salary test is cut in post-Brexit immigration system

Brexit will end the free movement of people between the UK and EU Business groups have joined forces to demand a role in shaping the UK 's post-Brexit immigration system .
The lobby groups , which include the five largest by memberships , used an open letter to the Home Secretary Priti Patel to make a series of suggestions as they fret over the potential for a skills and wider labour shortage when the UK leaves the EU .
The organisations , which include the CBI , British Chambers of Commerce and Federation of Small Businesses , largely opposed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ availability of talent through the ending of free movement of people between member states .
The letter , signed by 36 different interest groups scaling the economy , urges the government to accept an offer of help in designing the various criteria a person from abroad would need to meet to be able to work in the UK .
The document set out four key priorities as the Migration Advisory Committee considers a new points-based immigration system for introduction in 2021 .
The business groups are seeking flexibility for skilled workers through such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sponsorship process .
They also welcome , what the letter describes as `` indications '' from ministers , that a planned £30,000 minimum salary test could be reduced by a third .
However , they admit wages and benefits to the economy from higher salaries must be protected .
The groups also argued that the issuance of unsponsored visas to low-skilled workers be extended to two years from one .
The case was based , the letter said , on the belief it would prove more productive and remove the need for `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ letter said : `` Business understands that the immigration system must change in order to re-build public confidence .
`` Insight from enterprise can help build a points-based model that provides greater control , whilst providing access to the labour and skills needed to support the economy .
`` And this can go hand in hand with a continued determination to invest in training home grown talent . ''
It added : `` The economy needs a simple , streamlined and affordable system that meets business ' needs of all sizes , sectors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We look forward to working with the new government to inform the detailed design of a new immigration system in a way that commands public confidence and supports the UK 's global ambitions . ''
A Home Office spokesperson responded : `` We will deliver on the people 's priorities by introducing a points-based immigration system , attracting the brightest and best talent from around the world while cutting low-skilled immigration and bringing overall numbers down .
`` This firmer and fairer system will let us decide who comes to this country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they can make - not where they come from .
`` We will continue to speak with businesses of all sizes as the system is designed and rolled out . ''

Business groups have joined forces to demand a role in shaping the UK's post-Brexit immigration system.
The lobby groups, which include the five largest by memberships, used an open letter to the Home Secretary Priti Patel to make a series of suggestions as they fret over the potential for a skills and wider labour shortage when the UK leaves the EU.
The organisations, which include the CBI, British Chambers of Commerce and Federation of Small Businesses, largely opposed the notion of Brexit as it restricts the availability of talent through the ending of free movement of people between member states.
Image: The soft fruits industry has already encountered lower demand for pickers
The letter, signed by 36 different interest groups scaling the economy, urges the government to accept an offer of help in designing the various criteria a person from abroad would need to meet to be able to work in the UK.
The document set out four key priorities as the Migration Advisory Committee considers a new points-based immigration system for introduction in 2021.
The business groups are seeking flexibility for skilled workers through such a system, coupled with a reformed sponsorship process.
They also welcome, what the letter describes as "indications" from ministers, that a planned £30,000 minimum salary test could be reduced by a third.
However, they admit wages and benefits to the economy from higher salaries must be protected.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:19 Chancellor: Brexit won't benefit all businesses
The groups also argued that the issuance of unsponsored visas to low-skilled workers be extended to two years from one.
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The case was based, the letter said, on the belief it would prove more productive and remove the need for "constantly" hiring new people.
The letter said: "Business understands that the immigration system must change in order to re-build public confidence.
Image: Some sectors fear a so-called brain drain if work restrictions are too harsh
"Insight from enterprise can help build a points-based model that provides greater control, whilst providing access to the labour and skills needed to support the economy.
"And this can go hand in hand with a continued determination to invest in training home grown talent."
It added: "The economy needs a simple, streamlined and affordable system that meets business' needs of all sizes, sectors and across all UK regions and nations.
We look forward to working with the new government to inform the detailed design of a new immigration system in a way that commands public confidence and supports the UK's global ambitions."
A Home Office spokesperson responded: "We will deliver on the people's priorities by introducing a points-based immigration system, attracting the brightest and best talent from around the world while cutting low-skilled immigration and bringing overall numbers down.
"This firmer and fairer system will let us decide who comes to this country based on their skills and the contribution they can make - not where they come from.
"We will continue to speak with businesses of all sizes as the system is designed and rolled out."


skynewspolitics--2020-01-24--Long-Bailey inches towards Labour leadership ballot with Unite backing

Rebecca Long-Bailey needs one more endorsement to make the final ballot Unite , one of Britain 's biggest trade unions , has backed Rebecca Long-Bailey to be the next leader of the Labour Party .
It officially endorsed the shadow business secretary to take over from Jeremy Corbyn after an all-day hustings .
The move all but guarantees her place on the ballot paper , which Sir Keir Starmer and Lisa Nandy have already secured .
She already had the support of the Bakers , Food and Allied Workers ' Union , meaning she now only needs the support of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make the third and final round .
All the leader and deputy leader candidates had 25 minutes to make their pitches and take questions from union top brass at a special meeting on Friday .
But Sir Keir , the shadow Brexit secretary , sent a stand-in after his mother-in-law had an accident and had to go into intensive care .
Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker He has extended a pause in campaigning until the end of the weekend , leading Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leeds .
Party general secretary Jennie Formby said it was to `` ensure fairness to all candidates '' .
On his way into the meeting to decide who Unite would back , head of the union Len McCluskey said : `` Whoever becomes the leader will have the full support of Unite and we look forward to defending working people like the Labour Party always has done . ''

Unite, one of Britain's biggest trade unions, has backed Rebecca Long-Bailey to be the next leader of the Labour Party.
It officially endorsed the shadow business secretary to take over from Jeremy Corbyn after an all-day hustings.
The move all but guarantees her place on the ballot paper, which Sir Keir Starmer and Lisa Nandy have already secured.
She already had the support of the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers' Union, meaning she now only needs the support of one other union or Labour affiliate group to make the third and final round.
All the leader and deputy leader candidates had 25 minutes to make their pitches and take questions from union top brass at a special meeting on Friday.
But Sir Keir, the shadow Brexit secretary, sent a stand-in after his mother-in-law had an accident and had to go into intensive care.
Listen to "All you need to know from the first week of the impeachment trial" on Spreaker. Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
He has extended a pause in campaigning until the end of the weekend, leading Labour to cancel its second official hustings in Leeds.
Party general secretary Jennie Formby said it was to "ensure fairness to all candidates".
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On his way into the meeting to decide who Unite would back, head of the union Len McCluskey said: "Whoever becomes the leader will have the full support of Unite and we look forward to defending working people like the Labour Party always has done."


skynewspolitics--2020-01-24--Will the unity pledge trump pure Corbynism in the Labour leadership race?

Labour leadership : Will the unity pledge trump pure Corbynism in the contest ?
Labour leadership : Will the unity pledge trump pure Corbynism in the contest ?
Sir Keir Starmer versus Rebecca Long-Bailey with Lisa Nandy as the wildcard - and Emily Thornberry fighting to make it through to the final round .
Ms Long-Bailey won the formal backing on Friday night of the Unite union .
The shadow business secretary insists she is not continuity Corbyn , but the machine that put him into office is now cranking up to try to install her as his successor .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of Mr Corbyn 's 2015 leadership race , is driving her campaign and his other key ally Len McCluskey is putting his union firepower behind her too .
Mr McCluskey said on Friday night his union had overwhelmingly backed Ms Long-Bailey , who he said has the `` brains and brilliance '' to beat Boris Johnson .
Ms Nandy is through to the final round , but this election race still looks very much like a straight run off between Ms Long-Bailey , the candidate of undiluted Corbynism , versus Sir Keir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Corbyn might not have won the argument in the country when it came to his socialist vision for Britain , but his politics are in the ascendancy still when it comes to the Labour Party and this leadership race .
The bigger , existential question for the Labour movement is which of these candidates can win the argument not just in the party bit with former Labour voters too .
For there is a dramatic disconnect between the party members and Labour voters who turned away from Mr Corbyn and Labour in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's newly won seats in the North East this week - Blyth Valley , 712 majority , Durham North-West 1,144 majority , Bishop Auckland 7,692 - its clear that Brexit was a critical reason why voters turned away from Labour .
But Mr Corbyn 's leadership was repeatedly raised too , as was what some former Labour voters saw as a 'moon on a stick ' manifesto .
There was another common theme as well : in those communities over 250 miles away from London was a public worn out by political conflict @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spoke to talked about wanting a unified country once more .
That is perhaps why Sir Keir 's unity pitch has obvious resonance with many party members and activists who must have picked up this dissatisfaction on the doorsteps during the election .
Sir Keir is miles ahead on this race by any measure .
Polling puts him out front with party members ; he topped the ballot with MPs and has gathered up more constituency labour party nominations than all his rivals put together .
But this is a long race and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ backing now in the form of Unite and Momentum .
Unite will now put financial firepower behind her while Momentum will be her campaigning wing .
She has all the tools at her disposal to begin narrowing that gap .
Yet there are tensions within her campaign as Ms Long-Bailey pushes ahead with a radical agenda .
Her decision to back mandatory re-selections of MPs before a general election this week delighted her Momentum base .
But her union backers fear this is the sort of policy that serves only to stoke controversy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would prefer Ms Long-Bailey to focus less on policy and more on personality and identity .
Ms Nandy , who started out well behind in the field is picking up support via her strong media performances and smart campaign .
But the Wigan MP 's decision to not just quit Corbyn 's front bench in the 2016 coup but go onto co-chair Owen Smith 's leadership campaign - a subject I hear she raised herself in her opening statement at the Unite hustings on Friday - makes her toxic still with huge swathes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election will be decided by the extent to which members want to draw a line under fierce factional infighting and take the fight to the Tories once more .
The early stages of this race suggests members are putting a premium on unity .
Sir Keir 's pitch that the path to victory begins with soft Corbynism , competent leadership and a cessation of internal battles is a winning combination for now .
But we are only in the foothills of a very long race .

The Labour race is set.
Sir Keir Starmer versus Rebecca Long-Bailey with Lisa Nandy as the wildcard - and Emily Thornberry fighting to make it through to the final round.
Ms Long-Bailey won the formal backing on Friday night of the Unite union.
Image: Rebecca Long-Bailey has the backing of the Unite union
The shadow business secretary insists she is not continuity Corbyn, but the machine that put him into office is now cranking up to try to install her as his successor.
Jon Lansman's Momentum, which grew out of Mr Corbyn's 2015 leadership race, is driving her campaign and his other key ally Len McCluskey is putting his union firepower behind her too.
Mr McCluskey said on Friday night his union had overwhelmingly backed Ms Long-Bailey, who he said has the "brains and brilliance" to beat Boris Johnson.
Ms Nandy is through to the final round, but this election race still looks very much like a straight run off between Ms Long-Bailey, the candidate of undiluted Corbynism, versus Sir Keir's 'competent Corbynism' pitch.
Mr Corbyn might not have won the argument in the country when it came to his socialist vision for Britain, but his politics are in the ascendancy still when it comes to the Labour Party and this leadership race.
The bigger, existential question for the Labour movement is which of these candidates can win the argument not just in the party bit with former Labour voters too.
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For there is a dramatic disconnect between the party members and Labour voters who turned away from Mr Corbyn and Labour in the election.
Touring some of Mr Johnson's newly won seats in the North East this week - Blyth Valley, 712 majority, Durham North-West 1,144 majority, Bishop Auckland 7,692 - its clear that Brexit was a critical reason why voters turned away from Labour.
But Mr Corbyn's leadership was repeatedly raised too, as was what some former Labour voters saw as a 'moon on a stick' manifesto.
Image: Sir Keir Starmer has a decent chance of replacing Jeremy Corbyn as Labour Party leader
There was another common theme as well: in those communities over 250 miles away from London was a public worn out by political conflict and division.
All the people I spoke to talked about wanting a unified country once more.
That is perhaps why Sir Keir's unity pitch has obvious resonance with many party members and activists who must have picked up this dissatisfaction on the doorsteps during the election.
Sir Keir is miles ahead on this race by any measure.
Polling puts him out front with party members; he topped the ballot with MPs and has gathered up more constituency labour party nominations than all his rivals put together.
But this is a long race and Ms Long-Bailey has powerful institutional and organisation backing now in the form of Unite and Momentum.
Unite will now put financial firepower behind her while Momentum will be her campaigning wing. She has all the tools at her disposal to begin narrowing that gap.
Yet there are tensions within her campaign as Ms Long-Bailey pushes ahead with a radical agenda.
Her decision to back mandatory re-selections of MPs before a general election this week delighted her Momentum base.
But her union backers fear this is the sort of policy that serves only to stoke controversy and division around her candidacy.
They would prefer Ms Long-Bailey to focus less on policy and more on personality and identity.
Ms Nandy, who started out well behind in the field is picking up support via her strong media performances and smart campaign.
But the Wigan MP's decision to not just quit Corbyn's front bench in the 2016 coup but go onto co-chair Owen Smith's leadership campaign - a subject I hear she raised herself in her opening statement at the Unite hustings on Friday - makes her toxic still with huge swathes of party members.
And perhaps this election will be decided by the extent to which members want to draw a line under fierce factional infighting and take the fight to the Tories once more.
The early stages of this race suggests members are putting a premium on unity.
Sir Keir's pitch that the path to victory begins with soft Corbynism, competent leadership and a cessation of internal battles is a winning combination for now.
But we are only in the foothills of a very long race.


skynewspolitics--2020-01-24--'Fantastic moment': Johnson signs Brexit deal

Boris Johnson has signed the EU Withdrawal Agreement hours after the bloc 's two most senior figures did the same , paving the way for Brexit to happen next week .
The prime minister described his moment in Downing Street as `` fantastic '' and said the UK can now `` move forward as one country '' as he hailed the end of `` far too many years of argument and division '' .
Mr Johnson , who signed the treaty with a fountain pen , said the government was focused on `` delivering better public services , greater opportunity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our brilliant United Kingdom '' .
He also pledged to build `` a strong new relationship with the EU as friends and sovereign equals '' .
Earlier , Ursula Von Der Leyen , president of the European Commission , and Charles Michel , head of the European Council , ratified the divorce deal from Brussels ' side by formally signing the treaty before it was taken to London .
Watching on from behind them was Michel Barnier , who has for the last three years been the EU 's lead negotiator in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and then several subsequent changes to please MPs .
It comes a day after the Brexit deal became UK law , when it completed its journey through parliament on getting royal assent from the Queen .
At exactly 7am UK time , Ms Von Der Leyen announced she had signed the deal off meaning it must now be approved by the European Parliament .
Mr Michel , who used to be prime minister of Belgium , wrote in a tweet sent simultaneously : `` Things will inevitably change but our friendship will remain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partners and allies . ''
He added in French : `` Look forward to writing this new page together . ''
The treaty was then sent to London for the prime minister to sign , escorted by EU and UK officials .
Now that Mr Johnson has put pen to paper , the document will be taken back to Brussels and a special copy will be given to Britain .
The European Parliament is expected to vote to approve the agreement on Wednesday .
Ms Von Der Leyen and Mr Michel are relatively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over from Jean-Claude Juncker and Donald Tusk respectively last winter .
They will still have a daunting task ahead of them even after Brexit happens on Thursday 31 January , as Brussels and the UK attempt to hammer out a trade deal in the next 11 months , during which time the country will continue to follow EU rules .
Brexit Night Live : Watch and follow the moment Britain exits the EU with a special programme from 9pm on Friday 31 January

Boris Johnson has signed the EU Withdrawal Agreement hours after the bloc's two most senior figures did the same, paving the way for Brexit to happen next week.
The prime minister described his moment in Downing Street as "fantastic" and said the UK can now "move forward as one country" as he hailed the end of "far too many years of argument and division".
Mr Johnson, who signed the treaty with a fountain pen, said the government was focused on "delivering better public services, greater opportunity and unleashing the potential of every corner of our brilliant United Kingdom".
He also pledged to build "a strong new relationship with the EU as friends and sovereign equals".
Image: Ursula Von Der Leyen and Charles Michel earlier signed the deal. Pic@vonderleyen
Earlier, Ursula Von Der Leyen, president of the European Commission, and Charles Michel, head of the European Council, ratified the divorce deal from Brussels' side by formally signing the treaty before it was taken to London.
Watching on from behind them was Michel Barnier, who has for the last three years been the EU's lead negotiator in charge of brokering a divorce deal - and then several subsequent changes to please MPs.
It comes a day after the Brexit deal became UK law, when it completed its journey through parliament on getting royal assent from the Queen.
At exactly 7am UK time, Ms Von Der Leyen announced she had signed the deal off meaning it must now be approved by the European Parliament.
Image: MEPs must now vote to ratify the agreement. Pic: @vonderleyen
Mr Michel, who used to be prime minister of Belgium, wrote in a tweet sent simultaneously: "Things will inevitably change but our friendship will remain. We start a new chapter as partners and allies."
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He added in French: "Look forward to writing this new page together."
The treaty was then sent to London for the prime minister to sign, escorted by EU and UK officials.
Now that Mr Johnson has put pen to paper, the document will be taken back to Brussels and a special copy will be given to Britain.
The European Parliament is expected to vote to approve the agreement on Wednesday.
Ms Von Der Leyen and Mr Michel are relatively new in their posts, having taken over from Jean-Claude Juncker and Donald Tusk respectively last winter.
They will still have a daunting task ahead of them even after Brexit happens on Thursday 31 January, as Brussels and the UK attempt to hammer out a trade deal in the next 11 months, during which time the country will continue to follow EU rules.
Brexit Night Live: Watch and follow the moment Britain exits the EU with a special programme from 9pm on Friday 31 January


skynewspolitics--2020-01-24--Ex-Speaker John Bercow 'brutalised Commons staff'

Two former parliamentary staff are considering making formal complaints against John Bercow , Sky News has learnt , amid claims the former Speaker `` brutalised '' staff .
It comes just days after Lord Lisvane , the former clerk of the House of Commons , submitted a dossier of allegations against Mr Bercow to the Parliamentary Standards Authority .
David Leakey , the former Black Rod in the Houses of Parliament , called for complainants to come forward as he warned Mr Bercow brought one former Leader of the Commons to tears .
He told Sky News : `` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ considering putting forward complaints .
I appeal to anybody who has been subject to bullying to bring forward their complaints .
`` In my case , he 's denied bullying me .
`` In my own experience , I would call him a liar .
It 's simply not true .
And I 'm sure there are plenty of witnesses to that as well .
So I 'm sure there will be other people coming forward . ''
Commenting on whether it would be right for Mr Bercow to be handed a peerage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Leakey said : `` I would n't want to make any direct comparison between the charges levelled against Harvey Weinstein in New York at the moment with the allegations made against John Bercow .
They 're of a different order .
`` But the film industry is no more going to recognise Harvey Weinstein for a lifetime award for his achievements in the film industry… and nor should John Bercow be given a lifetime peerage in the House of Lords . ''
John Bercow has `` categorically '' denied ever bullying anyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ timing of Lord Lisvane 's complaint `` curious '' .
Downing Street said the claims are `` very concerning '' and should be `` investigated thoroughly '' .
Mr Leakey added : `` My opinion is that he brutalised staff in the House of Commons and elsewhere , including myself in that .
`` It was n't just those top people , it was people much further down the pecking order .
And he tried to do it with others - politicians as well that went into his office . ''
He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I 've worked in the military , government departments in Brussels and Whitehall and Westminster , in business , in parliament for seven years .
`` I 've never seen anybody in my entire life treat anybody as badly as John Bercow treated regularly the people around him… .
Including the leaders of the house in the House of Commons .
`` One in particular came to me to recount to me two episodes of meetings with John Bercow that even now almost bring tears to his eyes . ''
The allegations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Bercow for a peerage , against convention .
The government chose not to do so , breaking with tradition which dictates that all former House of Commons Speakers are elevated to the House of Lords when they leave office .
A Downing Street source said Mr Bercow was famously enthusiastic about breaking convention during his time in office .
A source close to the vetting process for new peers said they believe an investigation into Mr Bercow 's behaviour by the Commons authorities would delay or potentially prevent him from entering the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detailed approval process for new members .
Mr Bercow did not comment on Mr Leakey 's allegations , but in a statement on Thursday he said that it has `` become increasingly obvious that the government has no intention of honouring the centuries-old convention that a departing Speaker is promptly elevated to the House of Lords '' since his retirement .
`` Indeed , it has been suggested to me that the government actively seeks to block any other attempt to nominate me for membership of the upper House , '' he continued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen in the media that Lord Lisvane is formally complaining that I bullied staff .
`` For the record , I categorically deny that I have ever bullied anyone , anywhere at any time . ''
Mr Bercow said Lord Lisvane , who he worked with for five years , had `` ample opportunity to raise any concerns about such conduct with me '' and moreover had `` a duty of care to all House staff '' .
`` Therefore , he had not merely a right but a responsibility to act if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Brexit Night Live : Watch and follow the moment Britain exits the EU with a special programme from 9pm on Friday 31 January

Two former parliamentary staff are considering making formal complaints against John Bercow, Sky News has learnt, amid claims the former Speaker "brutalised" staff.
It comes just days after Lord Lisvane, the former clerk of the House of Commons, submitted a dossier of allegations against Mr Bercow to the Parliamentary Standards Authority.
David Leakey, the former Black Rod in the Houses of Parliament, called for complainants to come forward as he warned Mr Bercow brought one former Leader of the Commons to tears.
He told Sky News: "I'm aware that two other people are considering putting forward complaints. I appeal to anybody who has been subject to bullying to bring forward their complaints.
"In my case, he's denied bullying me.
"In my own experience, I would call him a liar. It's simply not true. And I'm sure there are plenty of witnesses to that as well. So I'm sure there will be other people coming forward."
Commenting on whether it would be right for Mr Bercow to be handed a peerage following his departure from the Commons, Mr Leakey said: "I wouldn't want to make any direct comparison between the charges levelled against Harvey Weinstein in New York at the moment with the allegations made against John Bercow. They're of a different order.
"But the film industry is no more going to recognise Harvey Weinstein for a lifetime award for his achievements in the film industry… and nor should John Bercow be given a lifetime peerage in the House of Lords."
John Bercow has "categorically" denied ever bullying anyone.
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Image: Mr Bercow said he 'categorically' denies ever bullying anyone
Earlier this week he called the timing of Lord Lisvane's complaint "curious".
Downing Street said the claims are "very concerning" and should be "investigated thoroughly".
Mr Leakey added: "My opinion is that he brutalised staff in the House of Commons and elsewhere, including myself in that.
"It wasn't just those top people, it was people much further down the pecking order. And he tried to do it with others - politicians as well that went into his office."
He said: "I'm 67 years old. I've worked in the military, government departments in Brussels and Whitehall and Westminster, in business, in parliament for seven years.
"I've never seen anybody in my entire life treat anybody as badly as John Bercow treated regularly the people around him…. Including the leaders of the house in the House of Commons.
"One in particular came to me to recount to me two episodes of meetings with John Bercow that even now almost bring tears to his eyes."
The allegations emerged following Labour's decision to nominate Mr Bercow for a peerage, against convention.
The government chose not to do so, breaking with tradition which dictates that all former House of Commons Speakers are elevated to the House of Lords when they leave office.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:27 'You can't smear me': Bercow goes out with a bang
A Downing Street source said Mr Bercow was famously enthusiastic about breaking convention during his time in office.
A source close to the vetting process for new peers said they believe an investigation into Mr Bercow's behaviour by the Commons authorities would delay or potentially prevent him from entering the House of Lords as there is a detailed approval process for new members.
Mr Bercow did not comment on Mr Leakey's allegations, but in a statement on Thursday he said that it has "become increasingly obvious that the government has no intention of honouring the centuries-old convention that a departing Speaker is promptly elevated to the House of Lords" since his retirement.
"Indeed, it has been suggested to me that the government actively seeks to block any other attempt to nominate me for membership of the upper House," he continued in the statement.
"I have seen in the media that Lord Lisvane is formally complaining that I bullied staff.
"For the record, I categorically deny that I have ever bullied anyone, anywhere at any time."
Mr Bercow said Lord Lisvane, who he worked with for five years, had "ample opportunity to raise any concerns about such conduct with me" and moreover had "a duty of care to all House staff".
"Therefore, he had not merely a right but a responsibility to act if he thought that he witnessed misconduct."
Brexit Night Live: Watch and follow the moment Britain exits the EU with a special programme from 9pm on Friday 31 January


skynewspolitics--2020-01-24--Race to trace 2,000 people who flew to UK from Wuhan

Coronavirus : Race to trace 2,000 people who flew to UK from Wuhan Coronavirus : Race to trace 2,000 people who flew to UK from Wuhan 26 people have died in China since the outbreak of the virus Medics are trying to trace 2,000 people who have flown from Wuhan to the UK in the weeks since the coronavirus outbreak .
The Department of Health said that officials want to check on their health , and Public Health England said they would issue them with guidance in case they fall ill .
It comes as Professor Chris Whitty , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a new public health hub was being built at Heathrow Airport .
He said tests for the coronavirus on 14 people in the UK had come back negative .
He added that the risk to the public was `` low '' and there were no confirmed cases yet but warned there was a `` fair chance '' Britain would see cases .
Speaking after the government 's emergency committee was convened to discuss the outbreak that has killed 26 people in China , he added the UK had `` tried and tested measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ministers from the Home Office , Foreign Office , and transport , education and communities departments were all summoned to the Cabinet Office for a briefing earlier .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson did not attend .
Ten cities have been locked down in Hubei province to prevent the virus spreading , with at least 33 million people affected .
Restrictions include the suspension of public transport services , while some cities have also shut public venues such as temples and cinemas .
China has announced plans to build a 1,000-bed hospital in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ World Health Organisation ( WHO ) has declared the outbreak an emergency but said it was `` too early '' to consider it a `` public health emergency of international concern '' given `` its restrictive and binary nature '' .
UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock cautioned on Thursday that `` there is an increased likelihood that cases may arise in this country '' but insisted `` we are well prepared and well equipped to deal with them '' .
He chaired the meeting today - named COBRA after the room where they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ room A .
Universities are being contacted by the government about their preparedness and are being told to give information to students , the prime minister 's spokesman said .
Symptoms of the virus are said to be similar to a cold , and include fever , sneezing and coughing .
Anyone who is confirmed as having the virus will be transferred to an Airborne High Consequences Infectious Disease Centre , the letter added .
There are four interim Airborne HCID centres in England - two in London , one in Liverpool and @ @ @ @

Border Force teams have joined the search for around 2,000 people who have flown to the UK from the Chinese region worst hit by the deadly coronavirus outbreak.
It is understood they have been recruited to help speed up the search for passengers as testing for the virus continues.
Thirty-one people have been tested and given the all clear, while the illness has reached Europe after three cases were confirmed in France on Friday.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:57 Coronavirus: What you need to know
Tests on a patient in Northern Ireland have come back negative for the virus, the Department of Health (DoH) has confirmed.
England's Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty said there was a "fair chance" cases will emerge in Britain as the overall number reported around the world climbed to more than 1,200, including 41 deaths, all in China.
"I am working closely with the other UK chief medical officers.
"We all agree that the risk to the UK public remains low, but there may well be cases in the UK at some stage."
"The UK has access to some of the best infectious disease and public health experts in the world.
"A public health hub will be set up in Heathrow from today. This consists of clinicians and other public health officials, in addition to existing port health measures."
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The public health hub at Heathrow will be staffed by a rotating team of seven clinicians working in shifts to support patients on arrival.
This is in addition to medical staff who are already permanently in place at all UK airports, the DoH said.
All 14 people tested in the UK are thought to have visited Wuhan, the Chinese city where the outbreak originated.
Four out of five patients tested in Scotland were from China, Downing Street said.
Prof Whitty added: "At the minute it definitely looks like this is a lot less dangerous if you get it than Ebola, and a lot less dangerous than the recent coronavirus MERS, and it's probably less dangerous if you get it than SARS virus.
"What we don't know is how far it's going to spread, that really is something we need to plan for all eventualities."
French health minister Agnes Buzyn said that all three of the people who tested positive for the virus in her country had travelled to China and two were from the same family.
The United States has reported its second case, involving a Chicago woman in her 60s who was taken to hospital after returning from China but is reported to be doing well.
Australia has confirmed three cases, one in the state of Victoria involving a visitor from China, a man in his 50s, who was said to be in a stable condition.
In China, an unprecedented lockdown keeping people from travelling has been expanded to more than 50 million residents.
Authorities in Beijing and other cities have also cancelled many public celebrations and other events marking the Lunar New Year.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Symptoms of coronavirus include fever, sneezing, coughing and shortness of breath.
PHE guidance to GPs says anyone with suspected coronavirus should be placed in a room away from other patients and staff with the door closed.
They should not be allowed to use communal toilet facilities or be physically examined, it adds.
A letter from Prof Whitty to clinical staff said anyone who is confirmed as having the virus will be transferred to an Airborne High Consequence Infectious Disease centre (HCID).
There are four interim Airborne HCID centres in England - two in London, one in Liverpool and one in Newcastle.


skynewspolitics--2020-01-24--Tributes to 'architect of the peace process' Seamus Mallon

Seamus Mallon has been described as having a fierce thirst for justice Former US president Bill Clinton has led tributes to Seamus Mallon , an architect of the Northern Ireland peace process who has died aged 83 .
Mr Mallon was the original Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland , sharing power with Unionist leader David Trimble after the Good Friday Agreement .
A former deputy leader of the nationalist Social Democratic and Labour Party ( SDLP ) , he played a pivotal role in the establishment of power-sharing government .
Mr Clinton described him as `` a hero of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man '' .
`` From his earliest entry into politics , Seamus never wavered from his vision of a shared future , where neighbours of all faiths could live in dignity or from the belief he shared with John Hume and the entire SDLP that non-violence was the only way to achieve that goal , '' he added .
First Minister Arlene Foster said Mr Mallon `` was instrumental in bringing about peace for our people and that contribution should not go unrecognised '' .
The DUP leader had earlier quoted from Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , following his election as MP for Newry and Armagh in 1986 .
`` As Seamus said , 'We have two stark and clear choices .
We can live together in generosity and compassion or we can die together in bitter disharmony , '' she tweeted .
Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill said Mr Mallon was a significant political figure `` who made a huge contribution to the politics of peace and Good Friday Agreement '' .
`` His mark on history is indelible . ''
Mr Mallon , a former school teacher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ politics through his involvement with the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s .
He had a reputation for straight-talking and repeatedly challenged the IRA to end its campaign of violence and pursue Irish unity by peaceful means .
Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar described him as `` one of Ireland 's greatest political leaders . ''
`` History will remember Seamus Mallon as an architect of the Good Friday Agreement , a committed peace builder and a tireless champion of an inclusive Ireland , '' she said .
`` He always opposed sectarianism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others in his community advocated violence , Seamus had an unswerving commitment to constitutional nationalism .
He was a peacemaker who put us on the path to reconciliation . ''
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood MP said Mr Mallon was one of the reasons he had joined the party , describing him as `` a force of nature '' .
`` In the darkest days of conflict , when hope was in short supply , Seamus represented the fierce thirst for justice that than ran through the SDLP and through communities that had lost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he added .
Archbishop Eamon Martin , leader of the Catholic Church in Ireland , said Armagh and Ireland had `` lost one of our most respected sons and bravest leaders '' .
`` He will be remembered as a man of integrity and great courage who was not afraid to speak up or call it as it was - even at great personal risk , '' he said .
`` To his dying day , Seamus Mallon remained a man of hope for a brighter future - a shared and respectful future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of belonging . ''

Former US president Bill Clinton has led tributes to Seamus Mallon, an architect of the Northern Ireland peace process who has died aged 83.
Mr Mallon was the original Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, sharing power with Unionist leader David Trimble after the Good Friday Agreement.
A former deputy leader of the nationalist Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP), he played a pivotal role in the establishment of power-sharing government.
Mr Clinton described him as "a hero of the peace process and a profoundly good man".
"From his earliest entry into politics, Seamus never wavered from his vision of a shared future, where neighbours of all faiths could live in dignity or from the belief he shared with John Hume and the entire SDLP that non-violence was the only way to achieve that goal," he added.
Image: 1999:Northern ireland's power-sharing executive meets for the first time in Belfast
First Minister Arlene Foster said Mr Mallon "was instrumental in bringing about peace for our people and that contribution should not go unrecognised".
The DUP leader had earlier quoted from Mr Mallon's maiden speech in the Commons, following his election as MP for Newry and Armagh in 1986.
"As Seamus said, 'We have two stark and clear choices. We can live together in generosity and compassion or we can die together in bitter disharmony," she tweeted.
Image: Tributes have poured in for Mr Mallon
Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill said Mr Mallon was a significant political figure "who made a huge contribution to the politics of peace and Good Friday Agreement".
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"His mark on history is indelible."
Mr Mallon, a former school teacher and principal, developed an interest in politics through his involvement with the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s.
He had a reputation for straight-talking and repeatedly challenged the IRA to end its campaign of violence and pursue Irish unity by peaceful means.
Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar described him as "one of Ireland's greatest political leaders."
"History will remember Seamus Mallon as an architect of the Good Friday Agreement, a committed peace builder and a tireless champion of an inclusive Ireland," she said.
Image: 1999: Northern Ireland's first minister David Trimble (R) and deputy first minister Seamus Mallon (L)
"He always opposed sectarianism and discrimination in any form. When others in his community advocated violence, Seamus had an unswerving commitment to constitutional nationalism. He was a peacemaker who put us on the path to reconciliation."
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood MP said Mr Mallon was one of the reasons he had joined the party, describing him as "a force of nature".
"In the darkest days of conflict, when hope was in short supply, Seamus represented the fierce thirst for justice that than ran through the SDLP and through communities that had lost so much to political violence," he added.
Archbishop Eamon Martin, leader of the Catholic Church in Ireland, said Armagh and Ireland had "lost one of our most respected sons and bravest leaders".
"He will be remembered as a man of integrity and great courage who was not afraid to speak up or call it as it was - even at great personal risk," he said.
"To his dying day, Seamus Mallon remained a man of hope for a brighter future - a shared and respectful future where we will all experience a sense of belonging."


skynewspolitics--2020-01-24--Coronavirus: Race to trace 2,000 people who flew to UK from Wuhan

Coronavirus : Race to trace 2,000 people who flew to UK from Wuhan Coronavirus : Race to trace 2,000 people who flew to UK from Wuhan Forty-one people have died in China since the outbreak of coronavirus Border Force teams have joined the search for around 2,000 people who have flown to the UK from the Chinese region worst hit by the deadly coronavirus outbreak .
It is understood they have been recruited to help speed up the search for passengers as testing for the virus continues .
Fourteen people have been given the all-clear but more are being checked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Europe after three cases were confirmed in France on Friday .
Tests on a patient in Northern Ireland have come back negative for the virus , the Department of Health ( DoH ) has confirmed .
England 's Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty said there was a `` fair chance '' cases will emerge in Britain as the overall number reported around the world climbed to more than 1,200 , including 41 deaths , all in China .
`` I am working closely with the other UK chief medical officers .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK public remains low , but there may well be cases in the UK at some stage . ''
`` The UK has access to some of the best infectious disease and public health experts in the world .
`` A public health hub will be set up in Heathrow from today .
This consists of clinicians and other public health officials , in addition to existing port health measures . ''
The public health hub at Heathrow will be staffed by a rotating team of seven clinicians working in shifts to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in addition to medical staff who are already permanently in place at all UK airports , the DoH said .
All 14 people tested in the UK are thought to have visited Wuhan , the Chinese city where the outbreak originated .
Four out of five patients tested in Scotland were from China , Downing Street said .
Prof Whitty added : `` At the minute it definitely looks like this is a lot less dangerous if you get it than Ebola , and a lot less dangerous than the recent coronavirus MERS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if you get it than SARS virus .
`` What we do n't know is how far it 's going to spread , that really is something we need to plan for all eventualities . ''
French health minister Agnes Buzyn said that all three of the people who tested positive for the virus in her country had travelled to China and two were from the same family .
The United States has reported its second case , involving a Chicago woman in her 60s who was taken to hospital after returning from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well .
Australia has confirmed three cases , one in the state of Victoria involving a visitor from China , a man in his 50s , who was said to be in a stable condition .
In China , an unprecedented lockdown keeping people from travelling has been expanded to more than 50 million residents .
Authorities in Beijing and other cities have also cancelled many public celebrations and other events marking the Lunar New Year .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sneezing , coughing and shortness of breath .
PHE guidance to GPs says anyone with suspected coronavirus should be placed in a room away from other patients and staff with the door closed .
They should not be allowed to use communal toilet facilities or be physically examined , it adds .
A letter from Prof Whitty to clinical staff said anyone who is confirmed as having the virus will be transferred to an Airborne High Consequence Infectious Disease centre ( HCID ) .
There are four interim Airborne HCID centres in England @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Liverpool and one in Newcastle .


skynewspolitics--2020-01-25--Bercow had 'Jekyll and Hyde character', bullying complaint claims

John Bercow accused of having 'Jekyll and Hyde character ' in bullying complaint John Bercow accused of having 'Jekyll and Hyde character ' in bullying complaint Another bullying complaint has been lodged against ex-Commons Speaker John Bercow , accusing him of `` intolerable rudeness and explosive behaviour '' .
Former Black Rod David Leakey said he was `` reluctantly '' filing a dossier to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards in an attempt to block Mr Bercow from receiving a peerage at the House of Lords .
Writing in the Sunday Times , Lieutenant General Leakey said the former Speaker was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who many people were `` terrified '' of .
It follows a complaint by former Clerk of the House Lord Lisvane , who said Mr Bercow had used inappropriate language and humiliated staff .
Responding to Lord Lisvane , the former Speaker `` categorically '' denied all accusations of bullying .
These are the latest allegations of bullying against Mr Bercow to surface , after two former private secretaries came forward in 2018 .
Lt Gen Leakey said the latest dossier would detail `` allegations of bullying , intimidation and unacceptable behaviour '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hoped the complaint would encourage others to `` come forward to file their own complaints , finally safe in the knowledge that the new independent complaints procedure will enable their concerns to be heard and assessed '' .
He continued : `` Many people were , frankly , terrified of Bercow - a Jekyll and Hyde character whose furious rages were belied for many by the charm and good humour he could also deploy to such effect .
`` It will also spell out my own personal experience of his volatile rages , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On one occasion , for example , in the presence of other people , he suddenly erupted in a rage , banging the table , and became extremely and personally insulting to me about my education , previous army career and social background , including calling me an antisemite - falsely implying I was prejudiced against his Jewish family background . ''
Lt Gen Leakey added : `` He did not intimidate me - I have suffered tirades from many a sergeant-major in my early days in the army - but the visible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff was appalling . ''
He also warned of a `` macho bullying culture '' which was `` prominent '' in Westminster .
On Friday , Mr Leakey told Sky News the former Speaker had `` brutalised '' staff , adding : `` I 've never seen anybody in my entire life treat anybody as badly as John Bercow treated regularly the people around him . ''
He also said two more ex-parliamentary staff were considering putting forward complaints .
Mr Bercow has dismissed the former complaint as having come at a `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been suggested to him the government was trying to block attempts to make him a peer .
`` I have seen in the media that Lord Lisvane is formally complaining that I bullied staff .
For the record , I categorically deny that I have ever bullied anyone , anywhere at any time , '' he said .
Mr Bercow was put forward for a peerage by Jeremy Corbyn after becoming the first Speaker in 230 years not to receive a nomination on stepping down .
Brexit Night Live : Watch and follow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a special programme from 9pm on Friday 31 January

Another bullying complaint has been lodged against ex-Commons Speaker John Bercow, accusing him of "intolerable rudeness and explosive behaviour".
Former Black Rod David Leakey said he was "reluctantly" filing a dossier to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards in an attempt to block Mr Bercow from receiving a peerage at the House of Lords.
Writing in the Sunday Times, Lieutenant General Leakey said the former Speaker was a "Jekyll and Hyde character" who many people were "terrified" of.
Image: Lieutenant General David Leakey is filing a complaint
It follows a complaint by former Clerk of the House Lord Lisvane, who said Mr Bercow had used inappropriate language and humiliated staff.
Responding to Lord Lisvane, the former Speaker "categorically" denied all accusations of bullying.
These are the latest allegations of bullying against Mr Bercow to surface, after two former private secretaries came forward in 2018.
Lt Gen Leakey said the latest dossier would detail "allegations of bullying, intimidation and unacceptable behaviour" by Mr Bercow.
He said he hoped the complaint would encourage others to "come forward to file their own complaints, finally safe in the knowledge that the new independent complaints procedure will enable their concerns to be heard and assessed".
He continued: "Many people were, frankly, terrified of Bercow - a Jekyll and Hyde character whose furious rages were belied for many by the charm and good humour he could also deploy to such effect.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:45 John Bercow wants a peerage
"It will also spell out my own personal experience of his volatile rages, foul language and personal insults.
"On one occasion, for example, in the presence of other people, he suddenly erupted in a rage, banging the table, and became extremely and personally insulting to me about my education, previous army career and social background, including calling me an antisemite - falsely implying I was prejudiced against his Jewish family background."
Lt Gen Leakey added: "He did not intimidate me - I have suffered tirades from many a sergeant-major in my early days in the army - but the visible effect of such behaviour on other parliamentary staff was appalling."
He also warned of a "macho bullying culture" which was "prominent" in Westminster.
On Friday, Mr Leakey told Sky News the former Speaker had "brutalised" staff, adding: "I've never seen anybody in my entire life treat anybody as badly as John Bercow treated regularly the people around him."
He also said two more ex-parliamentary staff were considering putting forward complaints.
Image: David Leakey says Mr Bercow 'brutalised staff'
Mr Bercow has dismissed the former complaint as having come at a "curious time" and said it had been suggested to him the government was trying to block attempts to make him a peer.
"I have seen in the media that Lord Lisvane is formally complaining that I bullied staff. For the record, I categorically deny that I have ever bullied anyone, anywhere at any time," he said.
Mr Bercow was put forward for a peerage by Jeremy Corbyn after becoming the first Speaker in 230 years not to receive a nomination on stepping down.
Brexit Night Live: Watch and follow the moment Britain exits the EU with a special programme from 9pm on Friday 31 January


skynewspolitics--2020-01-25--PM phoned Trump to 'secure justice' for Harry Dunn

Boris Johnson has held a phone call with Donald Trump in which he `` reiterated the need '' for the woman charged over Harry Dunn 's death to be returned to the UK .
The prime minister wanted to `` secure justice '' for the 19-year-old 's family after the US rejected an extradition request for American suspect Anne Sacoolas , according to Number 10 .
The family of Harry Dunn have been fighting for Mrs Sacoolas to face trial in the UK after the teenager was killed in a head-on collision with a car outside RAF Croughton in Northamptonshire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sacoolas , 42 , who was driving the car , claimed diplomatic immunity and returned to her home country following the crash .
Her husband is believed to be a US intelligence officer .
Mr Johnson raised the topic during a phone conversation with the US president on Friday .
A Downing Street spokesperson said : `` The Prime Minister raised the tragic case of Harry Dunn , and the need to secure justice for Harry 's family .
`` He reiterated the need for the individual involved to return to the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ causing death by dangerous driving by the Crown Prosecution Service in December but has not returned to the UK since the crash .
A spokesperson for the family , Radd Seiger , suggested UK authorities were considering trying Mrs Sacoolas in her absence .
He wrote on Twitter : `` I am informed by officials in London that the UK authorities are urgently considering all their options following the rejection of the extradition request including trying # annesacoolas in her absence and issuing an Interpol Red Notice .
`` If the US Govt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Dunn 's mother , Charlotte Charles , told Sky News on Friday the family had been `` prepared '' for the US to turn down an extradition request .
`` It does n't matter when , whether it 's this administration or the next .
The extradition request is always going to be over Anna Sacoolas 's head , and we 're never going to give up , '' she said .
Business Secretary Andrea Leadsom met the family after holding talks with US ambassador Woody Johnson , the commander of RAF @ @ @ @ @ @ @ constable of Northamptonshire Police .
She told reporters the prime minister is `` very much on the side of the family in their desire to see justice done '' .
A spokesperson for the US State Department said the extradition request was rejected because it undermined the use of diplomatic immunity , however Mr Dunn 's family disputes whether Mrs Sacoolas was entitled to immunity .

Boris Johnson has held a phone call with Donald Trump in which he "reiterated the need" for the woman charged over Harry Dunn's death to be returned to the UK.
The prime minister wanted to "secure justice" for the 19-year-old's family after the US rejected an extradition request for American suspect Anne Sacoolas, according to Number 10.
The family of Harry Dunn have been fighting for Mrs Sacoolas to face trial in the UK after the teenager was killed in a head-on collision with a car outside RAF Croughton in Northamptonshire on 27 August last year.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:48 'Our priority is justice for Harry'
Mrs Sacoolas, 42, who was driving the car, claimed diplomatic immunity and returned to her home country following the crash. Her husband is believed to be a US intelligence officer.
Mr Johnson raised the topic during a phone conversation with the US president on Friday.
A Downing Street spokesperson said: "The Prime Minister raised the tragic case of Harry Dunn, and the need to secure justice for Harry's family.
"He reiterated the need for the individual involved to return to the UK."
Mrs Sacoolas was charged with causing death by dangerous driving by the Crown Prosecution Service in December but has not returned to the UK since the crash.
A spokesperson for the family, Radd Seiger, suggested UK authorities were considering trying Mrs Sacoolas in her absence.
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Image: Anne Sacoolas claimed diplomatic immunity and left for the US
He wrote on Twitter: "I am informed by officials in London that the UK authorities are urgently considering all their options following the rejection of the extradition request including trying #annesacoolas in her absence and issuing an Interpol Red Notice.
"If the US Govt think this is going away..."
Mr Dunn's mother, Charlotte Charles, told Sky News on Friday the family had been "prepared" for the US to turn down an extradition request.
"It doesn't matter when, whether it's this administration or the next. The extradition request is always going to be over Anna Sacoolas's head, and we're never going to give up," she said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:12 Trump seeks 'healing' over Harry Dunn death
Business Secretary Andrea Leadsom met the family after holding talks with US ambassador Woody Johnson, the commander of RAF Croughton Colonel Bridget McNamara and the chief constable of Northamptonshire Police.
She told reporters the prime minister is "very much on the side of the family in their desire to see justice done".
A spokesperson for the US State Department said the extradition request was rejected because it undermined the use of diplomatic immunity, however Mr Dunn's family disputes whether Mrs Sacoolas was entitled to immunity.


skynewspolitics--2020-01-26--Coronavirus: UK 'looking at all options' to help Britons stuck in China

Coronavirus : UK 'looking at all options ' to help Britons stuck in China Coronavirus : UK 'looking at all options ' to help Britons stuck in China UK 'looking at all options ' to help Britons in Wuhan The government is `` looking at all options '' to help Britons stranded in the Chinese city at the centre of the coronavirus outbreak , the home secretary has said .
According to reports , Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has ordered officials to examine the logistics of an airlift from Wuhan , in the country 's Hubei province .
Asked if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at , Priti Patel told Sky 's Sophy Ridge On Sunday programme : `` We 're looking at all options .
I 'm not going to comment specifically on newspaper stories .
`` But it 's right that we look at all options and that 's exactly what the government is doing right now . ''
The Foreign Office has updated its guidance to `` advise against all travel to Hubei province '' , which has been in lockdown for several days .
Britons who are in the area have been urged to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But one British man , who travelled to Wuhan to visit his girlfriend and is stuck in the city after his return flight was cancelled , has described trying to get out as `` impossible '' .
The 29-year-old , who did not wish to be named , told the Press Association : `` There have been sporadic warnings from local government in Chinese to tell us that there will be road closures .
`` There is no news on when the airport will reopen , therefore the airline ( China Southern ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 've also had no help from the UK Embassy in Beijing who are conveniently closed for the weekend . ''
The number of people infected globally by the coronavirus stands at more than 2,000 .
However , there have been no cases in the UK so far , or among British citizens abroad , with the risk to the public still classed as low .
England 's chief medical officer , Chris Witty , has said there is a `` fair chance '' there will be cases in Britain .
A total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the virus .
Ms Patel said the government was `` taking all the precautions '' and working `` to ensure we do our utmost to keep the British public safe '' .
This includes a Public Health England hub at Heathrow airport to prevent the spread of the virus , she told Sky News .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Health officials are working to track down around 2,000 people who have recently travelled from Wuhan to the UK .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is trying to find `` as many passengers as we can '' to check on their wellbeing .
Border Force officers have been recruited to help speed up the search for passengers , it is understood .

The government is "looking at all options" to help Britons stranded in the Chinese city at the centre of the coronavirus outbreak, the home secretary has said.
According to reports, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has ordered officials to examine the logistics of an airlift from Wuhan, in the country's Hubei province.
Asked if this was something the government was looking at, Priti Patel told Sky's Sophy Ridge On Sunday programme: "We're looking at all options. I'm not going to comment specifically on newspaper stories.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:15 UK remains on alert for coronavirus
"But it's right that we look at all options and that's exactly what the government is doing right now."
The Foreign Office has updated its guidance to "advise against all travel to Hubei province", which has been in lockdown for several days.
Britons who are in the area have been urged to leave the area if they can.
But one British man, who travelled to Wuhan to visit his girlfriend and is stuck in the city after his return flight was cancelled, has described trying to get out as "impossible".
The 29-year-old, who did not wish to be named, told the Press Association: "There have been sporadic warnings from local government in Chinese to tell us that there will be road closures.
"There is no news on when the airport will reopen, therefore the airline (China Southern) have just cancelled the flight.
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"I've also had no help from the UK Embassy in Beijing who are conveniently closed for the weekend."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:38 President Xi warns of 'grave situation' as coronavirus infection spreads
The number of people infected globally by the coronavirus stands at more than 2,000.
However, there have been no cases in the UK so far, or among British citizens abroad, with the risk to the public still classed as low.
England's chief medical officer, Chris Witty, has said there is a "fair chance" there will be cases in Britain.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:57 Coronavirus: What you need to know
A total of 56 people have died in China from the virus.
Ms Patel said the government was "taking all the precautions" and working "to ensure we do our utmost to keep the British public safe".
This includes a Public Health England hub at Heathrow airport to prevent the spread of the virus, she told Sky News.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Health officials are working to track down around 2,000 people who have recently travelled from Wuhan to the UK.
The Department of Health has said it is trying to find "as many passengers as we can" to check on their wellbeing.
Border Force officers have been recruited to help speed up the search for passengers, it is understood.


skynewspolitics--2020-01-25--PM says Britain will become 'trail-blazing country' after Brexit

Mr Johnson has urged the nation to 'look ahead with confidence ' post-Brexit Boris Johnson has said Britain will become a `` global , trail-blazing country '' after Brexit and that he will `` look ahead with confidence '' .
The prime minister made the comments as he unveiled the government 's full plans to mark Brexit day on Friday when the UK formally leaves the European Union , nearly four years after the referendum .
He said : `` Next Friday marks an important moment in the history of our United Kingdom .
`` No matter how you voted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to look ahead with confidence to the global , trail-blazing country we will become over the next decade and heal past divisions .
`` That is what I will be doing on 31 January and I urge everyone across the UK to do the same . ''
However , former deputy prime minister Lord Heseltine and other politicians have accused Mr Johnson of rubbing the noses of Remainers in their defeat through plans to celebrate Brexit .
The Tory peer , who fought for Britain to stay in the EU , told The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risked exacerbating national divisions at a time when sensitivities over leaving Europe were still high .
`` Brexit is the most divisive issue of modern times .
Those of us who fought to Remain did so sincerely in the interests of our country and subsequent generations who we believe should be influential at the heart of Europe , '' Lord Heseltine told the paper .
`` I think it is unwise of the government to rub our noses in it by celebrating our defeat at this hour , whilst talking about unifying the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ed Davey joined the criticism , saying Mr Johnson should be using public money to unite the nation , `` not gloat with an expensive party '' .
And the Scottish National Party 's leader at Westminster , Ian Blackford , told the paper that `` leaving the greatest post-war peace project ever created '' was `` not something we should be celebrating '' .
Home Secretary Priti Patel told Sky 's Sophy Ridge On Sunday programme that the UK will diverge from EU rules post-Brexit .
`` We want to take control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ borders , '' she said .
`` And to do that we will not be rule-takers - we will be setting our own laws and that is a fundamental feature of leaving the European Union . ''
Ahead of Brexit day , Ms Patel confirmed that the Migration Advisory Committee would report on the government 's points-based immigration system and immigration cap which will come into effect after Brexit .
She said British businesses have been `` far too reliant on low-skilled and quite frankly cheap labour from the EU '' and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` started to invest in people across the whole of the United Kingdom '' .
Also speaking to Sky News , Ireland 's Europe minister said negotiating the future relationship between the two sides will be `` very difficult '' - adding that Brexit is `` really only at half-time '' .
Helen McEntee said : `` The idea that we can negotiate a trade deal with one that is comprehensive , one that provides very little change for our citizens , not just in the UK and Ireland , but the EU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ space , it 's very difficult .
`` Now of course the EU is willing and Michel Barnier is still there , and he is working with his team , and all member states are included to ensure that we have a mandate and that we are ready for these negotiations when they start . ''
Mr Johnson will deliver a special address to the nation to mark the historic day , and Downing Street will be illuminated with a light display designed to symbolise the strength and unity of the UK 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Parliament Square and the Mall , while government buildings on Whitehall will be lit up in red , white and blue throughout the evening .
A countdown clock will be projected onto Number 10 's black bricks from 10pm on 31 January .
On Wednesday , Mr Johnson will host another edition of his People 's PMQ 's on Facebook , and children will be invited to Downing Street on Thursday where they will be given the chance to ask him about the future he plans to build for the next generation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Johnson will chair a meeting of his cabinet in the North of England on Friday as he and his ministers will use this week to meet people and businesses across the UK .
The new commemorative 50p coin to mark Britain 's departure will also enter circulation on Friday .
A day after Britain leaves the EU , the government 's new `` GREAT Ready to Trade '' campaign will launch in 17 cities across 13 countries outside the EU .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relationships , adverts will be placed in Australia , Brazil , Canada , China , India , Japan , Mexico , Singapore , South Africa , South Korea , Turkey , the UAE and the US .
And on Monday , a campaign with the message `` This Friday the UK leaves the EU '' will launch in a bid to urge businesses and citizens to check for any changes they need to make ahead of January 2021 - when the transition period is over .
Brexit Night Live : Watch and follow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a special programme from 9pm on Friday 31 January

Boris Johnson has said Britain will become a "global, trail-blazing country" after Brexit and that he will "look ahead with confidence".
The prime minister made the comments as he unveiled the government's full plans to mark Brexit day on Friday when the UK formally leaves the European Union, nearly four years after the referendum.
He said: "Next Friday marks an important moment in the history of our United Kingdom.
"No matter how you voted in 2016, it is the time to look ahead with confidence to the global, trail-blazing country we will become over the next decade and heal past divisions.
"That is what I will be doing on 31 January and I urge everyone across the UK to do the same."
However, former deputy prime minister Lord Heseltine and other politicians have accused Mr Johnson of rubbing the noses of Remainers in their defeat through plans to celebrate Brexit.
The Tory peer, who fought for Britain to stay in the EU, told The Observer newspaper that the raft of celebrations risked exacerbating national divisions at a time when sensitivities over leaving Europe were still high.
"Brexit is the most divisive issue of modern times. Those of us who fought to Remain did so sincerely in the interests of our country and subsequent generations who we believe should be influential at the heart of Europe," Lord Heseltine told the paper.
"I think it is unwise of the government to rub our noses in it by celebrating our defeat at this hour, whilst talking about unifying the country."
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Acting Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey joined the criticism, saying Mr Johnson should be using public money to unite the nation, "not gloat with an expensive party".
And the Scottish National Party's leader at Westminster, Ian Blackford, told the paper that "leaving the greatest post-war peace project ever created" was "not something we should be celebrating".
Image: Lord Heseltine says it is 'unwise of the government to rub our noses in it'
Home Secretary Priti Patel told Sky's Sophy Ridge On Sunday programme that the UK will diverge from EU rules post-Brexit.
"We want to take control of our laws, money and our borders," she said.
"And to do that we will not be rule-takers - we will be setting our own laws and that is a fundamental feature of leaving the European Union."
Ahead of Brexit day, Ms Patel confirmed that the Migration Advisory Committee would report on the government's points-based immigration system and immigration cap which will come into effect after Brexit.
She said British businesses have been "far too reliant on low-skilled and quite frankly cheap labour from the EU" and it is "about time" that businesses "started to invest in people across the whole of the United Kingdom".
Also speaking to Sky News, Ireland's Europe minister said negotiating the future relationship between the two sides will be "very difficult" - adding that Brexit is "really only at half-time".
Helen McEntee said: "The idea that we can negotiate a trade deal with one that is comprehensive, one that provides very little change for our citizens, not just in the UK and Ireland, but the EU as well, within about a 12-month space, it's very difficult.
"Now of course the EU is willing and Michel Barnier is still there, and he is working with his team, and all member states are included to ensure that we have a mandate and that we are ready for these negotiations when they start."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:39 Boris Johnson's Brexit deal made law in UK
Mr Johnson will deliver a special address to the nation to mark the historic day, and Downing Street will be illuminated with a light display designed to symbolise the strength and unity of the UK's four nations.
Union flags will line Parliament Square and the Mall, while government buildings on Whitehall will be lit up in red, white and blue throughout the evening.
A countdown clock will be projected onto Number 10's black bricks from 10pm on 31 January.
On Wednesday, Mr Johnson will host another edition of his People's PMQ's on Facebook, and children will be invited to Downing Street on Thursday where they will be given the chance to ask him about the future he plans to build for the next generation.
:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Mr Johnson will chair a meeting of his cabinet in the North of England on Friday as he and his ministers will use this week to meet people and businesses across the UK.
The new commemorative 50p coin to mark Britain's departure will also enter circulation on Friday.
A day after Britain leaves the EU, the government's new "GREAT Ready to Trade" campaign will launch in 17 cities across 13 countries outside the EU.
As the UK seeks to build future trading relationships, adverts will be placed in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, India, Japan, Mexico, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the UAE and the US.
And on Monday, a campaign with the message "This Friday the UK leaves the EU" will launch in a bid to urge businesses and citizens to check for any changes they need to make ahead of January 2021 - when the transition period is over.
Brexit Night Live: Watch and follow the moment Britain exits the EU with a special programme from 9pm on Friday 31 January


skynewspolitics--2020-01-26--Brexit coin unveiled by chancellor to mark 'new chapter'

Chancellor Sajid Javid holds the Brexit coin bearing the inscription 'Peace , prosperity and friendship with all nations' Sajid Javid has unveiled the new commemorative 50p coin to mark Britain 's departure from the EU on 31 January .
The chancellor originally ordered production of the celebratory coins in advance of the original departure date of 31 October .
But the Brexit delay meant around a million coins had to be melted down and the metal put aside until a new exit date was confirmed .
The new coins bear the inscription `` Peace , prosperity and friendship with all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officially leaves the EU - 31 January 2020 .
As he unveiled the 50p coin , the chancellor said : `` Leaving the European Union is a turning point in our history and this coin marks the beginning of this new chapter . ''
Around three million Brexit coins will enter circulation around the UK from Friday , with a further seven million to be added later in the year .
: : Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker As Master of the Mint @ @ @ @ @ @ @ batch of coins and will present one to Prime Minister Boris Johnson this week .
The Royal Mint will also open its doors for 24 hours to let people strike their own commemorative Brexit coins as part of the launch .
On Wednesday , the European Parliament is expected to vote to approve the Withdrawal Agreement after Mr Johnson signed the treaty paving the way for the UK to leave on Friday .

Sajid Javid has unveiled the new commemorative 50p coin to mark Britain's departure from the EU on 31 January.
The chancellor originally ordered production of the celebratory coins in advance of the original departure date of 31 October.
But the Brexit delay meant around a million coins had to be melted down and the metal put aside until a new exit date was confirmed.
Image: Brexit coins will enter circulation around the UK from 31 January
The new coins bear the inscription "Peace, prosperity and friendship with all nations" and the date the UK officially leaves the EU - 31 January 2020.
As he unveiled the 50p coin, the chancellor said: "Leaving the European Union is a turning point in our history and this coin marks the beginning of this new chapter."
Around three million Brexit coins will enter circulation around the UK from Friday, with a further seven million to be added later in the year.
:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
As Master of the Mint, Mr Javid was given the first batch of coins and will present one to Prime Minister Boris Johnson this week.
The Royal Mint will also open its doors for 24 hours to let people strike their own commemorative Brexit coins as part of the launch.
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On Wednesday, the European Parliament is expected to vote to approve the Withdrawal Agreement after Mr Johnson signed the treaty paving the way for the UK to leave on Friday.


skynewspolitics--2020-01-26--Whistleblowers say public 'deceived' over cost of HS2

Whistleblowers say public have been 'deceived ' over cost of HS2 Whistleblowers say public have been 'deceived ' over cost of HS2 Two HS2 whistle-blowers have told Sky News they feel there should be a public inquiry into the spiralling cost of HS2 and that the taxpayer has been deceived .
A third executive has suggested the project goes back to parliament before progressing .
It comes after the National Audit Office found on Friday that HS2 did not allow for uncertainties when estimating initial costs .
A leaked draft of a government review also suggests the costs could almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Doug Thornton and Andrew Bruce worked on costing land and property that the company needed to buy in order to build the track .
They say the company gave information to parliament that it knew was misleading .
The former senior executives feel vindicated after raising concerns over four years ago that the project could not remain within its stated budget .
They say HS2 was concerned that if the true figures emerged before royal assent was passed on the HS2 bill , it could derail the project .
Boris Johnson is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to proceed with the project in a matter of weeks .
Former land and property director , Doug Thornton , told Sky News : `` When we see this level of funding gap appear out of nowhere , it leaves HS2 Ltd and the department of transport lacking any credibility whatsoever .
`` The prime minister needs to take a very careful look at what 's gone on - there is probably a need for a public inquiry . ''
Mr Thornton was recruited in the late summer of 2015 .
His role @ @ @ @ @ @ @ property on which HS2 needed to build the railway .
After conducting a review , he says : `` Immediately we saw there was a substantial difference between the number of properties HS2 had budgeted to buy , and the reality of the data within the organisation 's book of reference .
`` We were finding there were approximately 12,000 properties plus additional provisions that required purchase but HS2 's budgeting was based on around and about just over 5,000 properties for phase one .
`` So it was clear to us there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in their data . ''
Mr Thornton left the organisation after refusing to present figures that he believed were wrong to the non-executive board .
He told Sky News : `` Personally , I was asked to advance figures to HS2 's non-executive board that I thought were severely misleading .
`` If I had done as I had asked , I would have been in breach of my obligations as a director of the organisation . ''
Mr Thornton says he was sacked from HS2 in December 2015 just minutes after refusing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has also spoken to the former head of planning and performance at HS2 who continued to work on the estimates after Mr Thornton left .
Andrew Bruce concurs with Mr Thornton 's story , saying : `` I 'd gone to meetings with him [ Mr Thornton ] when he was asked to present information that was n't accurate . ''
Mr Bruce says that after Mr Thornton 's departure in late 2015 , he came up against similar problems within the company .
He gives the example of the company refusing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as farmland worth £3,800 was found to be a golf course with an agreed minimum value of £7m .
He told Sky News : `` What my figures were beginning to show , and what the first project this baseline was beginning to show , was of the 11,420 properties that were going to have to be purchased , we 'd only valued about 52 % of them .
`` So to be precise , 5,972 properties had any value against them - even if it was only a pound .
But then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the properties we were going to buy - had either a zero value or they 'd never ever been valued .
`` What I was saying was surely we need twice as much money for this .
When I raised that with my bosses , there was shouting , there was anger , there was real concern because I had to work within my budget , not within the estimate .
`` And that 's when I really realised I had some significant problems . ''
Mr Bruce was walked out of HS2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ present his report to the board .
He says : `` Parliament has been misled .
I think HS2 , I have absolutely no doubt , knew the true value of the land .
They did not present that to parliament , they gave the 2013 figure from CBRE based at less than £2.8bn . ''
Mr Bruce believes his estimate of £4.8bn is now being proven to be more accurate .
An HS2 Ltd spokesperson said : `` These allegations are simply not true and predate the current leadership of HS2 Ltd. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bruce were put under intense scrutiny in 2018 by the National Audit Office as part of an investigation into the HS2 project 's property cost estimates .
`` The NAO 's report , published in September 2018 , found nothing untoward and concluded that the revised 2016 cost estimate was reasonable .
`` The cost of HS2 as published in the 2019 Chairman 's Stocktake is the most comprehensive and robust estimate yet produced for the project .
`` If the government decides to proceed , HS2 Ltd has a highly-skilled team in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state-of-the-art , low-carbon railway . ''
However , a third former executive has now emerged as a critic .
He says the latest watchdog report is damning .
He told Sky News : `` What you should n't be doing is going ahead with construction until you 've got a viable firm business case .
`` The NAO report and the current leaked figures of £106bn says they got it wrong while I was there .
It really should go back to parliament because the situation has changed . ''
He added : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the whole of High Speed 2 .
They talk about phase one 'civils ' [ civil engineering ] being robust now but the rest of phase one is still uncertain and they have n't applied these to phase two so we still do n't know whether these are honest figures . ''
The project was first estimated at £34bn in 2012 .
But in 2015 , when it passed parliament , the figure increased to £56bn .
In September 2019 , the current chairman of the project , Allan Cook , did a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would in fact cost £88bn .
Sky News revealed the former deputy director of the review into HS2 , Lord Berkeley , had produced a dissenting report estimating the cost to be £107bn .
The official review lead by Lord Oakervee , leaked to the Financial Times , appears to suggest the actual report estimate is only a billion less at £106bn .

Two HS2 whistle-blowers have told Sky News they feel there should be a public inquiry into the spiralling cost of HS2 and that the taxpayer has been deceived.
A third executive has suggested the project goes back to parliament before progressing.
It comes after the National Audit Office found on Friday that HS2 did not allow for uncertainties when estimating initial costs.
A leaked draft of a government review also suggests the costs could almost double from £58bn to well over £100bn.
Doug Thornton and Andrew Bruce worked on costing land and property that the company needed to buy in order to build the track.
They say the company gave information to parliament that it knew was misleading.
The former senior executives feel vindicated after raising concerns over four years ago that the project could not remain within its stated budget.
They say HS2 was concerned that if the true figures emerged before royal assent was passed on the HS2 bill, it could derail the project.
Boris Johnson is set to make a decision on how to proceed with the project in a matter of weeks.
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Image: Doug Thornton is calling for a public inquiry
Former land and property director, Doug Thornton, told Sky News: "When we see this level of funding gap appear out of nowhere, it leaves HS2 Ltd and the department of transport lacking any credibility whatsoever.
"The prime minister needs to take a very careful look at what's gone on - there is probably a need for a public inquiry."
Mr Thornton was recruited in the late summer of 2015.
His role was to buy all the land and property on which HS2 needed to build the railway.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
After conducting a review, he says: "Immediately we saw there was a substantial difference between the number of properties HS2 had budgeted to buy, and the reality of the data within the organisation's book of reference.
"We were finding there were approximately 12,000 properties plus additional provisions that required purchase but HS2's budgeting was based on around and about just over 5,000 properties for phase one.
"So it was clear to us there was a very, very big gap in their data."
Mr Thornton left the organisation after refusing to present figures that he believed were wrong to the non-executive board.
He told Sky News: "Personally, I was asked to advance figures to HS2's non-executive board that I thought were severely misleading.
"If I had done as I had asked, I would have been in breach of my obligations as a director of the organisation."
Mr Thornton says he was sacked from HS2 in December 2015 just minutes after refusing to present the figures.
Sky News has also spoken to the former head of planning and performance at HS2 who continued to work on the estimates after Mr Thornton left.
Andrew Bruce concurs with Mr Thornton's story, saying: "I'd gone to meetings with him [Mr Thornton] when he was asked to present information that wasn't accurate."
Image: Andrew Bruce says parliament has been 'misled'
Mr Bruce says that after Mr Thornton's departure in late 2015, he came up against similar problems within the company.
He gives the example of the company refusing to update its records after land originally valued as farmland worth £3,800 was found to be a golf course with an agreed minimum value of £7m.
He told Sky News: "What my figures were beginning to show, and what the first project this baseline was beginning to show, was of the 11,420 properties that were going to have to be purchased, we'd only valued about 52% of them.
"So to be precise, 5,972 properties had any value against them - even if it was only a pound. But then 5,500 properties - 48% of all the properties we were going to buy - had either a zero value or they'd never ever been valued.
"What I was saying was surely we need twice as much money for this. When I raised that with my bosses, there was shouting, there was anger, there was real concern because I had to work within my budget, not within the estimate.
"And that's when I really realised I had some significant problems."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 7:03 Lord Berkeley: Parliament was misled over HS2 costings
Mr Bruce was walked out of HS2 on the day he was due to present his report to the board.
He says: "Parliament has been misled. I think HS2, I have absolutely no doubt, knew the true value of the land. They did not present that to parliament, they gave the 2013 figure from CBRE based at less than £2.8bn."
Mr Bruce believes his estimate of £4.8bn is now being proven to be more accurate.
An HS2 Ltd spokesperson said: "These allegations are simply not true and predate the current leadership of HS2 Ltd.
"Furthermore the claims made by Mr Bruce were put under intense scrutiny in 2018 by the National Audit Office as part of an investigation into the HS2 project's property cost estimates.
"The NAO's report, published in September 2018, found nothing untoward and concluded that the revised 2016 cost estimate was reasonable.
"The cost of HS2 as published in the 2019 Chairman's Stocktake is the most comprehensive and robust estimate yet produced for the project.
"If the government decides to proceed, HS2 Ltd has a highly-skilled team in place ready to build Britain's new state-of-the-art, low-carbon railway."
However, a third former executive has now emerged as a critic.
Colin Morris is HS2's former programme delivery strategy director.
He says the latest watchdog report is damning.
He told Sky News: "What you shouldn't be doing is going ahead with construction until you've got a viable firm business case.
"The NAO report and the current leaked figures of £106bn says they got it wrong while I was there. It really should go back to parliament because the situation has changed."
Image: The project was first estimated at £34bn in 2012
He added: "We need some honest figures for the whole of High Speed 2. They talk about phase one 'civils' [civil engineering] being robust now but the rest of phase one is still uncertain and they haven't applied these to phase two so we still don't know whether these are honest figures."
The project was first estimated at £34bn in 2012. But in 2015, when it passed parliament, the figure increased to £56bn.
In September 2019, the current chairman of the project, Allan Cook, did a "stocktake", and said it would in fact cost £88bn.
Sky News revealed the former deputy director of the review into HS2, Lord Berkeley, had produced a dissenting report estimating the cost to be £107bn.
The official review lead by Lord Oakervee, leaked to the Financial Times, appears to suggest the actual report estimate is only a billion less at £106bn.